Transforming Pennsylvania High School Swimming: The I‑League Inclusion is explained in depth in the Playbook so that any interested student can have a swim team experience. Coach Mark Rauterkus breaks down the I‑League, a new plan to bring swimming to every high school in Western Pennsylvania. He explains why it matters, how it works, and how you can get involved. The current gap: Half of WPIAL schools have no swim teams or aquatic programs. I‑League solution: Year‑round swimming, lifeguard training, water polo, triathlon and open‑water options for all students. Dual benefit: Provides…
Most communities already have more aquatic capacity than they realize. They have pools, schools, coaches, instructors, recreation departments, and community organizations. The opportunity is to connect these assets and put them to work. In Episode #116 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide , Coach Mark Rauterkus introduces The Community Aquatics Directive , a practical playbook co-authored with Coach Ron Usher, inventor of OtterBall. The book presents ten pillars for transforming underused swimming pools into thriving community assets. The episode explores drowning prevention, learn-to-swim…
Coach Mark Rauterkus announces the launch of the new book's arrival: "Public Policy Playbook for Pittsburgh Aquatics & Recreation – Yinzer Edition." Co-author is Ron Usher. Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #115 hits current events and then a view into the first book of 2026, Mental Skills for Young Athletes and how that can fit into your sports programs and teams. See the reveal on how to get a free PDF, and let's discuss key strategies to improve city recreation, arts, and youth mental health. You'll also hear Mayor Corey O'Connor weigh in on new rec‑center partnerships and…
Barry is pushing for a group to form to consider local recreational needs in Salmon Arm, BC, Canada and has called for a meeting on October 1 at the local university. In a similar front, but different setting, Mark Rauterkus, is pushing the reformation of the Athletic Reform Task Force in Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Follow along as these stories unfold. None of us know what to expect and what happens next. In episode #114 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we launch a new Substack too, 1Shuswap.Substack.com and give a boost to Barry Healey's efforts in BC, Canada. We discuss building an athletic…
Coaching Without Security: The Hidden Costs Driving Talent Away from Pools In episode #111 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we do a video refresh with an interview conducted with Doug Cornish. His ground-breaking survey exposes many of the hidden cracks threatening swim coaches today. We begin to unpack and reveal why the sport's "passion‑first" model is no longer sustainable. Doug comes to the discussion with hard data that shine a light on the underlying causes, and he has concrete steps clubs must take to keep good coaches on the deck. Survey results: 38% of coaches lack a current…
"What if a 6‑year‑old could upload a quick clip of a 10‑meter freestyle, and an AI instantly replies, 'You passed!'—issuing a shiny, blockchain‑ready certificate that parents, coaches, and sponsors can see in real time? Welcome to Zlix, the free‑forever swim‑passport that's turning splash‑offs into badge‑holders." In episode #110 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide , Valentin Milkov shares the story behind Zlix, an AI‑powered verification tool for beginner swimmers. Hear how it works. He also discusses the platform's free‑forever model, certification monetization, and future growth plans.…
Part 2 of Shitty Best, a book recap by Pavel Samov, Ph.D. in episode #109 of Heavy Or Not The Coach's Guide to Accountability, Responsibility, and Compassion in High‑Stakes Sports In this episode, #109 of Heavy Or Not, part 2, with insights into Dr. Pavel Somov's "Shitty Best" framework, showing why athletes miss the mark and how coaches can turn those misses into growth. Learn how unconditional self‑acceptance can coexist with high standards and real accountability. The myth of the "unified self" and why akrasia isn't just weak will How competing neural coalitions (pre‑frontal cortex vs.…
Meet the work of my friend, with his book, Shitty Best. Come and get acquainted with Dr. Pavel Somov's game‑changing ideas from Shitty Best — the logic behind unconditional self‑acceptance and radical compassion for athletes and coaches. Discover why embracing an athlete's "moment‑specific shitty best" can be your competitive edge. In Heavy Or Not, episode #108, you'll learn: How the "shitty best" concept reframes perfection and mistakes in high‑stakes sports. The three categories of performance variables: knowns, unknowns, and unknowables. Why the "I am perfect" mantra is a neuro‑plasticity…
Open water swimming is exhilarating—but safety must come first. In episode #107 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we talk with Barry Healey of BC, Canada about an event in his town. Get into the new open-water course and check out the ISCA Open Water Festival. The upcoming festival with a 5K swim is hosted at Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Virginia. Progress is being made on the insurance issue. New free open‑water swimming course (read.swimisca.org) and the East Coast Open Water Festival at Smith Mountain Lake Introduction of a university division for collegiate squads and how to…
In Heavy Or Not, #106, we bring a dream into reality for long-time Southern Illinois University Head Swim & Dive Coach, presently retired, Rick Walker. Open Water Festival Sign up at https://swimisca.org/event/east-coast-open-water/ News Release about College Teams at https://read.swimisca.org/courses/open-water/lessons/isca-hosts-open-water-festivals/topic/press-release-college-swimming-gets-an-upgrade-in-september-with-a-5k-and-open-water-knockout/ Coach Walker has been a leading force for USA Open Water Swimming Teams in recent years — and he helps with Pan Am Aquatics and speaks to…
Over think much.... or not. Brian Holliday, once a frustrated swimmer in the UK, now an author and creator, shares how he reinvented swimming by focusing on mind‑body awareness instead of traditional technique. He reveals the journey from personal struggle to his "Intuitive Swimming" method and why the industry resists it. You'll learn: Why over‑thinking kills learning and how awareness of the body changes swimming. The key mind‑body‑water connection: floating, balance, and whole‑body movement. How Brian reverse‑engineered swim strokes and built a three‑step online course. The clash with…
OrcaVision is about to hit the market place and aims to revolutionize swimming with AI‑powered video analytics that capture 20‑40 data points per second for every swimmer. In this episode of Hevy Or Not, #104, we hear the first part of an interview and introducation from Adi Segal Dori, an entrepreneur and Chairwomen of the two-year-old firm. Learn a bit as to how the system works, why it matters, and what's next for the sport. Real‑time computer‑vision captures detailed metrics (speed, stroke count, turn efficiency) without manual tagging. Simple installation: one (25 m) or two (50 m)…
Aquajets Legacy Lives On: Kate Lundsten's Hall of Fame Celebration and Athlete Testimonials Kate Lundsten's induction into the International Swimming Coaches Hall of Fame is celebrated with heartfelt tributes from athletes, fellow coaches, and friends. Hear the stories that show why she's a legend in the sport. Kate's Hall of Fame induction, walk-up video and the significance of the award. Personal testimonials highlighting her impact on swimmers' lives and careers. Memorable moments from Aqua Jets training trips and competitions. Her coaching philosophy: humility, tough love, and life‑skill…
Join the WAFSU Movement: Simple Code Adds Support Button to Any School Website Mike Switalski's Swim Project Tackles Security, Not Safety, in Buffalo Communities. In episode #102 we hear from Buffalo high‑school teacher and nonprofit founder and swim coach, Mike Switalski, then dive into a new AI‑powered swimming grant and a quick call‑to‑action for coaches. Mike's testimony on Buffalo's security challenges vs. traditional safety approaches. Impact numbers from the City Swim Project (500 kids served, $350K budget, national swimmer stats). Introduction of the Moonshot AI grant partnership…
It is depressing when people in power make terrible moves that make no sense. Student‑Athletes Question Pitt Swimming Future After Leadership Meeting Yields No Answers Two coaching shake‑ups fill episode #101 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide. One hits close to home, in my city, as Pitt lost its head swim and dive coach with an abrupt departure at graduation weekend. Many are wondering what is going on with coaching — and what this mean for college and international aquatic sports. Chase Kreitler's abrupt resignation from Pitt swimming & diving and the key points from his farewell letter.…
The Power of Partnership: Parents, Coaches, and Swimmers Working Together for Success The Power‑Play of Parenting: Why Unconditional Love Beats All the Swim Drills "When a swimmer knows they're loved no matter the time on the clock, the pool turns from a battlefield into a playground, and performance follows." In episode #100, the end of season 2 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we turn to a master, Wayne Goldsmith. His statement is the best advice ever delivered to any athletic family. He breaks down the essential partnership among athletes, coaches, and parents. This is the classic…
Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #99 "Perfection breeds fear. Excellence is just showing up a little better than you did yesterday—because impossible isn't a word in our world; 'I.M. possible' is." Coach Pierre Lafontaine breaks down why daily wins, energy, and purposeful environments matter more than perfect facilities. Learn how to spark real progress in swimmers, no matter the pool size. You'll discover: The power of creating daily, measurable wins for every athlete. How coach energy and presence shape a winning culture. Why "better today, not perfect" should be your core coaching…
Truth About Leadership & Why Collaboration Beats a Lone Wolf Mentality In Heavy or Not, The OG Swim Guide, episode #98 , we're blessed to pick up a few flash-back comments as well as present leadership insights from a former competitive swimmer who makes us all proud. Way to go Krista! Scott Grates sits down with performance coach, Krista Hawkins, to cover leadership truths, accountability systems, and the importance of holistic self‑care. Her athletic background and the coaching perspectives apply to everyone — from the wee swimmers to CEOs. Krista explains the important elements that…
Krista and our PAWW Swim Team - flashback with AI In episode #97 of the podcast, Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, we rejoice in the discovery and shout out of another podcast. Years ago, Krista's journey to the PAWW swim team went from a terrified 12‑year‑old student, to age-group swimmer, to Division I athletes to today's high‑level executive advisor. Come along for the ride and enjoy the flashback with coaching tactics and a story debrief with aid from Notebook AI. Krista's growth to and confidence happened, in part, on the team — with Head Coach, Mark Rauterkus. The mental‑skill system…
Coach's Secret Weapon: Quick, Privacy‑First Lesson Plans Tailored to Sport, Age, and Time To the Lesson Generator for Mental Skills for Young Athletes. Break the Closed‑Loop Coaching Hierarchy with Independent Oversight and Transparent Performance Structure In episode #96 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide, you'll get a quick introduction to the brand‑new mental‑skills resource for parents, teachers and youth coaches. The lesson generator is a free website that support the book, Mental Skills for Young Athletes. Get the quick how‑to on turning a book into ready‑made practice plans and learn…
Pillars of Team Success: Consistency, Trust, Adaptability, and Coach Leadership Episode #94 of Heavy or Not, we hear from elite coach Harkai Hunor's playbook for building a winning team culture. Learn the concrete steps you can apply to any sport or organization today. What you'll learn: The seven non‑negotiable pillars of on‑court discipline and consistency. Why off‑court community building is as crucial as X's and O's. Quick‑win tactics for gaining player trust and boosting performance. How to adapt coaching philosophy to players, leagues, and local culture. The coach's ultimate role:…
Lifeguard Recruiting Campaign: Serve, Train, and Inspire While Safeguarding Water Activities Nationwide Check out the lifeguard recruiting film and the behind‑the‑scenes work that keeps our waters safe, and a bonus fortune insight. We also share a visual preview of the ISCA Senior Cup teams. This episode, #93, is very visual. Those with an audio only feed are missing out on the graphics of the short film and the logos of the teams. What it really takes to be a lifeguard – training, skills, and purpose How to apply through your local lifeguard agency (USLA & Ben Carlson Memorial and…
Education, Safety Barriers, and Collaborative Funding Initiatives From Grants to Lifeguards: Building a Safer Water Environment for All Ages Reducing Drowning Risks: Parents, Schools, and Policy Working Together for Water Safety In episode #92, we break down the stark reality of drowning worldwide and explore practical steps to keep kids and communities safe around water. We also discuss emerging grant opportunities in Florida and how local leaders can turn them into sustainable swimming programs. Listen in as Barry and Mark aim to make an impact around the water. Eye‑opening drowning…
Last Splash and Exit of Women Swim and Dive Team at Marshall University, episode #91 Open, Closing, Exit and Calls to Action for WPIAL Swimmers, Broadcasters and the ISCA Hall of Fame Tribute They CUT Women's Swimming and Diving at Marshall University just as the team was departing for its conference meet. Ugh squared. Nobody is explaining the Title IX confusion. In this episode, I break down what's really happening, how you can take action, and why this affects every program in the country. Swim Community: Your urgent steps are necessary on various fronts. If you care about swimming,…
Coach Mark Rauterkus worries that the looming crisis in college football will create a ripple effects across all college sports. He outlines a reform plan, highlights recent program cuts, and offers a path forward. You'll learn in episode #89 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide: The urgent need to reform college football before it collapses and drags other sports down. Key takeaways from Coach Nick Saban's interview (Episode 88) and the reform package available at 4rs.org . The fallout from Cal Baptist cutting its men's Division I swimming & diving team and the disappearing full‑time diving…
How Entitlement, Discipline, and Complacency Undermine Teams – Insights From Saban Inside Penn State's Quarter‑Billion Dollar Athletic Budget and Its Profit Margins In episode #88 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide , you'll meet my new best friend, Paul Falavolito and a snip from his show, The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast . He shares Nick Saban's "Five Enemies of Greatness." Paul's Site, The 7 Minute Leadership Podcast Plus, we'll break down the money behind a powerhouse college athletic department. You'll get practical leadership takeaways and a raw loo k at Penn State's finances. The five…
Doping at 69?! The Ugly Truth About Recreational Sports. Say "No" to Enhanced Athletes and Their Games In Episode 90 of Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide , we peek into two shocking doping cases. One is involving a 69-year-old Masters athlete and the other is with a 41-year-old cyclist busted at a Gran Fondo. No prize money. No fame. Just ego, insecurity, and a culture obsessed with optimization. When does "biohacking" become cheating? Is TRT just wellness… or is it performance enhancement? And what happens to sport when authenticity gets replaced with chemistry? This episode dives deep into…
About Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide
A thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the intersection of aquatics, swimming, sports, technology, and human potential.
Heavy Or Not, The OG Swim Guide is a English health podcast from ISCA. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
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