Tri Swim Coach Podcast

Dominic Latella

Whether you're barely surviving your first triathlon swim or trying to shave seconds off your Ironman split, this podcast's got something for you. It's training tips, real talk, and occasional chaos—all from Tri Swim Coach and a bunch of folks who've actually done the damn thing, including pros and long-time coaches. You'll hear stories, advice, some laughs, and maybe even figure out how to swim faster without feeling like you're drowning in regret. Hosted by Kevin Koskella, a dude who's been in the swim game for over 27 years and still has all his hair—this is your spot if you're trying to level up and not get smoked in open water. Jump in.

  1. 06/16/2025

    Swim Like You Mean It: A No-BS Talk with Greg Harper

    On today's episode, I sit down with Greg Harper: D1 swimmer turned pro triathlete, two-time Ironman 70.3 World Championship qualifier, and swim coach who isn't afraid to challenge coaching norms. We dig into why "gliding" is killing your swim, how ditching your smartwatch might actually help your performance, and the real link between breath control and open-water speed. Plus, Greg shares what burnout taught him about lifelong athlete development and how stroke rate beats ego every time. Connect with Greg Harper on Instagram: @gharpzorz  ================================================================== *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella   SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ================================================================== Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com ====================================================================== YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach

    58 min
  2. 05/26/2025

    Let's Talk About the Feather: Yeah, That's a Real Thing

    Most swimmers finish their stroke like they're just trying to get their arm out of the way—not like they're trying to move forward. In this solo episode, I'm diving into a concept almost nobody talks about in freestyle: the feather. The feather is that subtle but crucial outward motion at the end of your stroke that sets up a smooth recovery and gives you just a little extra propulsion, without blowing up your shoulder. It's not just for elites. It's not complicated. But it does take intention. 🎥 Want to see what I'm talking about? Watch the demo drills here: https://youtu.be/fsbDieIl4x4 Progression Step 1: https://youtu.be/rdnpk8SpKOA Progression Step 2: https://youtu.be/lGlMkb-GhdE *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella 📩 Got questions, pushback, or just wanna nerd out about stroke mechanics? Email me: dominic@triswimcoach.com  If this episode helped, share it with a training buddy or coach and drop a review so more swimmers can find it. ================================================================== Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 ======================================================================= SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4

    23 min
  3. 05/19/2025

    Finding Your Place in the Water

    In this episode of the Tri Swim Coach Podcast, we dive into what it means to make swimming more than just another workout—it's a lifestyle. We talk about the unique quirks of swim coaches (like why we all dress like we just got off a boat), how swimming can be a form of therapy, and why getting in the water isn't just good for your body—it's good for your mind. We also break down how to fit swimming into your weekly routine without turning your life upside down. Whether you're swimming for fitness, recovery, or just to clear your head, this episode is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe, rate, and share the podcast if you're loving the content. Hit play, jump in, and let's make swimming a lifestyle. ======================================================================= *If the podcast helped you think differently about your swimming, you can leave a tip here: buymeacoffee.com/coachlatella Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com   YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1   SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4

    58 min
  4. 04/28/2025

    Rethinking The Freestyle Recovery - #166

    In this episode, we're diving into one of the most misunderstood pieces of freestyle: the recovery. You've probably been told you need a "high elbow." Maybe you've spent way too much time trying to make your recovery look pretty instead of making it functional. We're blowing all of that up today. I'll walk you through why the way you bring your arm forward absolutely matters, why mimicking fast swimmers can actually slow you down, and why your shoulder blade — not your elbow — should be driving the whole show. We're talking recovery types (straight arm vs relaxed), the problem with "front quadrant" freestyle, the real reason fingertip drag drills can backfire, and how your recovery sets the stage for everything that happens next. Swimming isn't about looking good. It's about moving well. Let's rethink your recovery and make freestyle way easier — and way faster. YouTube: https://youtu.be/2odTqepF5Zg TSC Newsletter: https://sendfox.com/triswimcoach Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triswimcoach/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/triswimcoach TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@triswimcoach?_t=ZP-8vfKANQ964N&_r=1 ================================================================== SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ======================================================================= Sponsor: 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox — where your swimming gets better and no one judges your recovery. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com

    34 min
  5. 04/14/2025

    More Kick Talk: Ankles, Quads, and the Smiley Face Line -#164

    Back for round two, and yes—we're still talking about your kick. Because guess what? It's still not working the way you think it is. In this episode, we're diving deeper into flutter kick mechanics: tight ankles, sleepy hamstrings, and the mysterious "smiley face line" under your tush (you'll know it when you feel it). We're breaking down why your ankles matter more than your effort, how to actually use your cool down for something other than staring at the bottom of the pool, and why your legs might be sinking because… you're literally pushing them down. Yeah. That's happening. There's also a surprise detour into stream-of-consciousness novels, Upton Sinclair's The Jungle, and a heated debate over Bravo's best trash TV. You didn't ask for that, but you're getting it anyway. This is the kicking episode that gets into the weeds—in a good way. If your freestyle still feels like a fight, or you just want one good thing to focus on next time you swim, this one's got it. Sponsor 🏊‍♂️ Big thanks to SwimBox – where your swimming gets better and no one judges your feet. 👉 https://www.theswimbox.com ================================================================= Click here to Join the TSC Newsletter 12-10-8-6-4 Kicking Drill for Freestyle | Build Coordination, Control & Awareness: https://youtu.be/J1MfEgucKb8 SUPPORT OUR STUFF 🫁 Breathe Better, Race Stronger Take the Freestyle Breathing Course: 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-breathing 🥇 Tri Swim Success Program Go from "I hate swimming" to "I get it now": 👉 triswimcoach.com/tri-swim-program4 ================================================================= [00:00] VHS camcorder jokes, podcast video experiments & solo podcasting struggles [04:27] A listener comment sparks more kick talk: quads vs. hamstrings [07:52] "My legs feel like they're sinking" — breaking down why [10:43] The "smiley face line" under your tush and how to use it [13:30] Common kick mistakes: bicycle kick, knee-down, locked ankles [18:11] Ankles matter: how flexion is killing your kick (and how to fix it) [21:08] Pro tip: draw the alphabet with your ankles [24:15] Tight hips, sports crossover, and how it shows up in the water [28:06] Triathlete tip: find what part of your leg gets tired first [31:00] "Big toe rope" visualization from client Pete – great for alignment [34:40] Cool downs as sneaky technique work – stop sleeping on them [37:55] Warm down vs. cool down – a nerdy debate [41:08] Why you should always swim first before running or lifting [45:33] Literature detour: Mrs. Dalloway, The Hours, and The Jungle [49:50] Bravo TV, Vanderpump on the trainer, and guilty pleasures [54:20] Wrapping it up: thoughts for your next swim & being mentally present

    57 min
4.6
out of 5
164 Ratings

About

Whether you're barely surviving your first triathlon swim or trying to shave seconds off your Ironman split, this podcast's got something for you. It's training tips, real talk, and occasional chaos—all from Tri Swim Coach and a bunch of folks who've actually done the damn thing, including pros and long-time coaches. You'll hear stories, advice, some laughs, and maybe even figure out how to swim faster without feeling like you're drowning in regret. Hosted by Kevin Koskella, a dude who's been in the swim game for over 27 years and still has all his hair—this is your spot if you're trying to level up and not get smoked in open water. Jump in.