Champions Mojo for Masters Swimmers

Kelly Palace, Masters Swimmer

Welcome Masters swimmers, triathletes, and anyone striving to live well and swim well! Hear powerful interviews with world-class champions, leading experts, and everyday heroes—sharing tips, tools, and stories to boost your motivation, training, and life performance. Hosted by Kelly Palace, Masters Swimming Champion, coach, author, and former NCAA Division I head coach. A podcast that champions you!

  1. −1 d

    How to Fix Your Freestyle Catch and Stop Shoulder Pain with Elite Coach Kim Brackin, EP 320

    It's all about the catch! If you get this right you'll feel powerful and protect your shoulders. You'll hear it in detail from NCAA Championship and Olympic-level swim coach Kim Brackin, Founder of Brackin Elite Swim Training (BEST) who breaks down how everyday Masters swimmers can build a powerful, "connected" stroke that protects their joints and drives maximum propulsion. Kim also shares the cues and drills she leans on as a masters swimmer herself, including stroke balance work, skulling for feel, and simple kick progressions that help you find rhythm and propulsion. You’ll discover: Body Position over Brute Force The simple fix to engage your latsWhy dropping your hand first destroys your powerThe Shoulder-Saving Catch Adjustment3 Essential Masters DrillsThe Gym SetupIn the Tampa Bay, FL Area? MASTERS & FITNESS SWIM CLINIC WITH KIM BRACKIN and OLYMPIC COACH DAVID MARSH  REGISTER HERE One morning of elite coaching — tailored for adult swimmers of all levels Sunday, September 6, 2026 • Starting at 9:00 AM North Shore Aquatics Center • Home of Brackin Elite Swim Training • St. Petersburg, FL  If this helps, subscribe, share the episode with a lane mate, and leave a review so more masters swimmers can find their mojo. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    How to Fix Your Freestyle Catch and Stop Shoulder Pain with Elite Coach Kim Brackin, EP 320
  2. 28 juli

    Sprint Faster With This Trick From All-American Masters Swimmer Ryan Kloppe, EP 319

    Host Kelly Palace and Guest Co-Host Mark Palace sit down with world-ranked, All-American Masters swimmer (and CPA!) 46-Year Old Ryan Kloppe for an action-packed dive into performance hacks, smart gear, and real-life swimming wisdom. Whether you’re looking to scientifically optimize your pre-race warm-up, level up your gear bag, or just hear one of the most unique underwater marriage proposals ever, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and genuine inspiration you won’t want to miss. Ryan is a member of the Blue Dolfins Masters in Orlando, FL. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: The Mindset Flip: How Ryan transformed a devastating false-start DQ into fuel for his best performance yet.Conquering Open Water Jitters: The hilariously effective “bacon and sharks” mind trick for staying calm when you can’t see the bottom.Warm-Up Science Decoded: Why your race-day heart rate might be betraying your readiness—and how to structure your warm-up to fix it.The Ultimate Gear Bag Breakdown: From Finis Slip Fins to Stroke Maker paddles, the exact gear setup behind an All-American's routine.Data & Tech Hacks: High-tech tracking with the PHLex heart rate monitor and what post-swim metrics actually tell you about your training.Lessons Beyond the Pool: Why MMA training and skateboarding translated into better swimming longevity, focus, and hands-on skills.Pure Masters Romance: How Ryan met his wife at lane practice—and the underwater proposal that sealed the deal!Work Hard, Play Hard: Balancing a demanding career as a CPA with elite-level training and a passion for cable wakeboarding on glassy water. Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? That's like getting a best time for us. Kelly and our team would be so grateful. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Sprint Faster With This Trick From All-American Masters Swimmer Ryan Kloppe, EP 319
  3. 16 juli

    Olympic Gold to Masters Joy: Ryan Held's Love of Swimming Shines, EP 318

    Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Ryan Held sits down with host Kelly Palace in an on-deck interview at the Pegasus Masters meet in Dallas, Texas. Since retiring from professional swimming, Ryan has relocated to Prosper, Texas, stepped into the joys of fatherhood, and transitioned his relationship with the pool through Masters Swimming. What happens when you strip away the pressure of professional contracts, intense college training regimens, and the constant stress of making international teams? You find the pure, unfiltered love of the sport. Ryan opens up about his new, incredibly efficient training routine (just three hours a week!), his experience diving into local Masters meets, and the pure fun of racing events like the 200 IM "just because." He also shares some hilarious on-deck moments—including a scoreboard malfunction that briefly gave him a world-record fly split—and reveals his newfound passion for culinary arts, from perfecting beef empanadas to diving deep into the science of flavor. Whether you are an elite competitor, a Masters swimmer, or anyone searching for a healthier, more joyful balance in your daily life, Ryan’s refreshing perspective on "enjoying the ride" will leave you inspired. Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? It will help more people find the show and get their mojo moving. Thank you! Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Olympic Gold to Masters Joy: Ryan Held's Love of Swimming Shines, EP 318
  4. 5 juli

    Legends Masters Architect and 200 Flyer Extraordinaire: Andy Kroupa, EP 317

    What does it take to build a thriving Masters swim club from scratch, manage a demanding corporate career, and still have the grit to chase top-10 national rankings in the grueling 200-meter butterfly? In this special on-deck interview from the Bumpy Jones Classic in Sarasota, Florida, Kelly sits down with Andy Kroupa—a true champion of the everyday swimming community. Andy isn't just an elite competitor; he is one of the foundational minds behind the powerhouse Legends Masters Swim Club in Orlando. Whether you are looking to reignite your own swimming journey after a long break, balancing a busy life outside the pool, or curious about what it takes to foster a legendary team culture, Andy’s story is a masterclass in leadership by example. Key Takeaways From This Episode: The Power of the Comeback: Andy shares how a simple invitation to help support his friends on a Key West relay sparked his return to competitive swimming after a 20-year hiatus.Building a Legacy: Discover the grassroots origin story of the Legends Masters Swim Club, and how Andy and a dedicated group channeled post-COVID transitions into creating a club that now boasts over 50 members and partners with icons like Rowdy Gaines.The 200 Fly Mindset: Training for the 200 Butterfly at age 57 takes a unique brand of dedication. Andy breaks down his weekly training routine, juggling 3,000-yard sets at lunch and early mornings around his corporate role as an insurance underwriting manager.A Culture of Gratitude: Andy shares a beautiful, behind-the-scenes memory of Olympic Champion Missy Franklin that reminds us all why the culture of swimming is so incredibly special.Champion's Mojo Review: This episode is the perfect reminder of why we love Masters swimming. You don't need a shoe sponsorship or an Olympic medal to be a legend in our sport—you just need the passion to show up, give back, and lead by example.Listen now to find your own mojo! If you enjoy smart, experience-based coaching from everyday champions, subscribe to Champions Mojo, share this episode with a training partner, and leave a review so more Masters swimmers can find the show. Thank you for listening! Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Legends Masters Architect and 200 Flyer Extraordinaire: Andy Kroupa, EP 317
  5. 25 juni

    Trading the High Profile for the Pool: Bethany Burchill’s Leap of Passion, EP 316

    We meet Bethany Burchill, Manager Club and Member Services, US Masters Swimming and trace how she goes from swimmer to athletic director to an important position on the National Office Staff of US Masters Swimming.  Bethany's passion for swimming changed the trajectory of her well-established high-profile career as an athletic director. Her own love of the sport and her family's deep roots in swimming led her to follow her heart. We break down the most common questions USMS gets and how to quickly find a club that fits your goals, whether you want fitness, community, or competition.  • Bethany’s swimming background and her college events in the 400 IM, 200 fly, and distance  • Her sports administration path and why she wants to narrow her focus back to swimming  • What it’s like raising swimmers in Carmel, Indiana and why community support matters  • Why she relocates to Florida and joins US Masters Swimming  • The top member services questions about clubs, competitiveness, and getting started  • Using the USMS website and Club Finder to locate a program for home or travel  • Calling the USMS office for help and talking through what you need  • How club administration support helps new and existing clubs succeed  • Bethany’s fitness routine as a runner and what might bring her back to racing  More on US Masters Swimming at http://usms.org/ Would you consider leaving us a five star review on Apple? That's like getting a best time for us. Kelly and our team would be so grateful. See you next week for another boost of mojo. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Trading the High Profile for the Pool: Bethany Burchill’s Leap of Passion, EP 316
  6. 15 juni

    From Pro Triathlete to Deck Referee: Why Officiating Swimming Is So Rewarding: Chet Goudy, EP 315

    You can love swimming and still feel intimidated by the rulebook, the whistles, and the idea of disqualifying someone. That hesitation is exactly why we wanted an on-deck conversation with Chet Goudy, a USA Swimming deck referee, Masters swimmer, former college breaststroker, and former pro triathlete. He walks us through what a deck ref actually does, what it feels like to run a session from the pool deck, and why meets are always desperate for more well-trained officials. We also get personal about how people find their way back to the water. Chet shares the detour he took away from swimming in high school, the grind of returning for college, and the kind of “legendary” training that rewards durable athletes. From there we jump into Masters swimming culture with the Annapolis Breakfast Club, where 4,000-yard mornings are normal and “Fitness February” means 5,000 a day to build toward open water challenges like the Chesapeake Bay Swim. Then we zoom out to endurance sport and mindset. Chet explains how a coach transformed his triathlon training by making every session purposeful, controlled, and measurable, leading to a pro card and later a 13-week comeback plan to win a race after years away. If you’re a swim parent, a Masters swimmer, or someone curious about volunteering at swim meets, you’ll leave with clear next steps and a fresh view of what it means to support the sport. • deck referee responsibilities and how officiating is the best seat • becoming an official through apprenticeship and on-deck mentoring • why disqualifications help swimmers learn rather than punish them • the social side of officiating and why more officials make meets better • Masters  at the Annapolis Breakfast Club with 4,000 yard workouts • preparing for open water goals like the Chesapeake Bay Swim • “train on purpose” lessons from triathlon coaching and earning a pro card Subscribe for more conversations that help you live well and swim well, share this with a swim friend, and leave us a review if it helped you see the pool deck in a new way. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    From Pro Triathlete to Deck Referee: Why Officiating Swimming Is So Rewarding: Chet Goudy, EP 315
  7. 4 juni

    The Secret Clock of Aging: Telomeres, Longevity, and Peak Performance, EP 314

    Molecular biologist, gerontologist and Ultra Marathoner, Dr. Bill Andrews, a pioneer in telomere and telomerase research, sits down with Kelly and makes the case that telomere shortening is the most important clock driving human aging for healthy people and that real “rejuvenation” has to show up in function, not just numbers on a lab report. His blunt standard is the “Betty White test”: can you clearly tell which version of someone is younger by how they look, feel, and behave?  From there, we get practical for masters swimmers and endurance athletes. Bill breaks down the tug of war between telomere shortening and lengthening, why inflammation and oxidative stress speed up biological aging, and how training falls into a Goldilocks zone. Consistent movement can build immune tolerance, while sporadic extreme efforts can trigger unnecessary inflammation. We also cover stress reduction through yoga and meditation, and why tapering is a secret weapon for performance and recovery.  We also take on the risky side of the longevity marketplace: misleading telomere tests in blood, “anti-aging” tactics that can increase cell turnover, and the hype cycle around peptides, stem cells, and exosomes. Bill explains how he evaluates evidence with critical meta-analysis, shares what he’s seen from telomerase-activating ingredients, and points to tools like the ALCAT food sensitivity test and biological age testing to guide smarter choices.  • telomeres as chromosome end caps and why they shorten with each cell division • telomerase as the enzyme that can rebuild telomeres and the “tug of war” model • inflammation and oxidative stress as drivers of accelerated aging • endurance exercise as a Goldilocks effect plus the value of consistency and tapering • evolution’s case for aging and why Bill wants to outsmart it for individuals • Telovital as an example of telomerase activation plus limits of anecdotal results • why average telomere length in blood can rise without true telomere lengthening • how cosmetic resurfacing immune stimulation and some growth signals can backfire • peptides stem cells and exosomes through the lens of critical meta-analysis • practical steps like yoga meditation optimism anti-inflammatory diet and the ALCAT test. For more information on Dr. Bill Andrews https://sierrasci.com/ If you care about lifespan, healthspan, and staying fast in the water as you get longer lived, subscribe, share this with a training partner, and leave a review so more athletes can find the show. Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    The Secret Clock of Aging: Telomeres, Longevity, and Peak Performance, EP 314
  8. 26 maj

    Five Rules For Swimming Your Personal Best, EP 313

    Coach Kelly Palace shares five rules for swimmers to achieve their personal best. We break down five repeatable rules Kelly has seen across hundreds of champions, from Olympic swimmers to NCAA standouts to masters legends. We talk about picking a goal that creates real emotional pull, then reverse engineering it into pace targets, meet choices, and bite sized milestones you can execute. We also get specific about the details that matter in masters swimming: which meets count for rankings and records, what to watch for with rules and registrations, and why “fast water” factors like pool depth, temperature, and air quality can change outcomes. The big takeaway is simple and demanding: consistency is the foundation, and mindset finishes the job. Expect the best, prepare for the worst, and stay ready to swim well on the messy day, not just the perfect one. If you are planning a new season, chasing a personal record, or making a comeback, this will give you a clear checklist you can use today.  • choosing a goal that feels emotionally exciting • breaking the goal into pace, steps, and meets • executing in the right meet with the right rules • looking for fast water and favourable conditions • building consistency as the performance foundation • expecting adversity and staying ready to race anyway Subscribe to Champions Mojo, share this with a training partner, and leave us a review if it helps, what goal are you going after next? Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns. You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

    Five Rules For Swimming Your Personal Best, EP 313

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Welcome Masters swimmers, triathletes, and anyone striving to live well and swim well! Hear powerful interviews with world-class champions, leading experts, and everyday heroes—sharing tips, tools, and stories to boost your motivation, training, and life performance. Hosted by Kelly Palace, Masters Swimming Champion, coach, author, and former NCAA Division I head coach. A podcast that champions you!

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