Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories

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.