The Swim Parent Podcast

Roxana Perdue
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Kids & Family

The podcast for parents navigating the world of competitive youth swimming. I'm your host, Roxana Perdue. I'll be asking swim experts all the questions. Join us for some great conversations.

Episodes

  1. Mar 24

    Interview with USA Olympic Open Water Swimmer Ashley Twichell

    Learn more about Open Water Swimming from Olympic swimmer Ashley Twichell. She shares insights into the unique challenges and strategies of open water swimming, from race tactics to training tips and balancing motherhood with elite athletics. Ashley Twitchell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/atwall616 Ashley Twitchell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@ashleytwichell keywords Open Water Swimming, Olympic Athlete, Race Strategy, Training Tips, Motherhood and Sports

    52 min

  2. Feb 19

    Interview with Derek Wall on Fuel, Focus, and Recovery Tips for Swimmers During Championship Season

    In this episode of the Swim Parent Podcast, host Roxana Perdue speaks with the executive director of the Triangle Aquatic Center, Derek Wall about the demands of championship swim meets, the importance of fueling and recovery for athletes, and how these experiences teach valuable life skills. They discuss practical strategies for swimmers to manage their energy and emotions during competitions, the significance of parental support, and the ongoing learning process through Derek's memos on swimmer development. Read Derek's Memos Here: https://www.triangleaquatics.org/more-than-performance/ Find out more about Derek and the Triangle Aquatic Center here: https://www.triangleaquatics.org/people/derek-wall/ Takeaways Championship meets can be exhausting due to multiple events and emotional stress.Fueling and recovery are crucial for both physical performance and emotional regulation.Swimmers should focus on small, frequent intakes of carbohydrates and electrolytes during meets.The stomach can be trained to handle fueling needs during competitions.Scrolling on phones can be mentally taxing and counterproductive during recovery time.Swimmers learn valuable life skills that help them manage stress and perform under pressure.Parents play a vital role in supporting their swimmers emotionally during competitions.Positive reinforcement and cheering for teammates can enhance the competitive experience.Journaling after competitions can help swimmers reflect and improve for future events.Derek Wall plans to continue sharing insights through memos to support swimmer development. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Swim Parent Podcast 02:19 Understanding Championship Meets and Their Demands 07:17 The Importance of Fueling and Recovery 15:29 Training the Stomach for Competition 17:43 Managing Time Between Events 24:50 Life Skills Beyond Swimming 27:11 Parental Support During Championship Meets 34:52 Future Memos and Ongoing Learning 39:25 Introduction to the Interview with Derek Wall 39:50 Closing Thoughts and Resources 39:53 OUTROfinal.mp4

    40 min

  3. Feb 4

    Sports Photography and What Goes Into Getting Great Shots: Interview with Photographer Paul Morea

    Paul Morea, a North Carolina-based sports and event photographer, shares insights into the world of sports photography, particularly focusing on the challenges and techniques involved in capturing swim events. He discusses the importance of lighting, the unique difficulties of photographing athletes underwater, and the emotional aspects of sports photography. Paul also provides practical tips for parents looking to capture great photos of their children during swim meets, emphasizing the need for good equipment, understanding the sport, and the significance of composition and focus. Throughout the discussion, he highlights his journey into photography and the joy he finds in capturing the essence of athletic moments. Find Paul Morea online at: https://www.pmphoto.net/ and his blog: https://www.pmphoto.net/Sports-photography-blog and Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulmoreaphoto/ Takeaways Paul Morea is a North Carolina-based sports and event photographer.The moments before and after the race are crucial in sports photography.Lighting is a significant challenge in indoor sports photography, especially swimming.Swim photography is particularly difficult due to the subject disappearing underwater.Understanding the organization of a swim meet is essential for effective photography.Parents often don't realize the technicalities involved in capturing great shots.Investing in quality equipment is necessary for successful sports photography.Capturing emotion in sports photography involves timing and understanding the athlete's movements.Different swimming strokes present unique challenges and opportunities for photographers.Parents should focus on the events their child enjoys most when hiring a photographer. Keywords sports photography, swim photography, event photography, lighting, camera settings, capturing emotion, photography tips, Paul Morea, PM Photo, photography equipment

    55 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    Interview with TAC Titans Coach JP: Patience and Long-Term Development is Crucial for Success

    In this conversation, Roxana interviews TAC Titans Coach John "JP" Payne, an experienced coach, discussing his extensive background in swimming and coaching elite athletes. They explore the characteristics of successful swimmers, the importance of fostering a love for the sport in young athletes, and how to measure improvement beyond just times. JP emphasizes the significance of long-term development, learning from challenges, and the role of coachability in achieving success. The discussion also touches on the connection between music and swimming, highlighting how rhythm and timing play a crucial role in both disciplines. Takeaways Elite athletes love what they do and are committed to it.Fostering fun and broad experiences is essential for young athletes.Measuring improvement can go beyond just times; it includes personal growth and enjoyment.Long-term development is crucial for sustained success in sports.Learning to work hard and make changes is vital for young athletes.Setbacks can provide valuable learning opportunities for growth.Coachability is a key trait for athletes to develop over time.Mid-season performance should be viewed in the context of overall improvement.Music can enhance understanding of rhythm and timing in swimming.Practicing skills in a structured way leads to better performance.

    43 min

  5. 12/09/2025

    What Swim Parents Can Learn from Physical Therapists: Interview with Next Level Physio DPTs

    In this conversation, experts in physical therapy discuss the importance of injury prevention, treatment, and the role of strength training for young athletes, particularly swimmers. They emphasize the need for a holistic approach to athlete health, recognizing signs of overtraining, and the significance of communication between parents and therapists. The discussion also covers the importance of enjoying the journey of youth sports and finding the right physical therapist for optimal athlete care. Next Level Physio Website: https://nlphysio.com/ Next Level Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelphysiopt/ Next Level YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nextlevelphysio Dr Jerry Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjerryyoo/ Dr Megan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tumble.and.runpt/ Dr Brad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradleyhudson.pt/ Takeaways The best time for physical therapy is when you're not injured.Injury treatment involves understanding the root cause and addressing compensations.Parents should monitor their child's overall well-being, including stress and sleep.Strength training is crucial for injury prevention in young athletes.Recognizing signs of overtraining can help prevent injuries.Physical therapy can be a preventative measure, not just reactive.Building strength from a young age is essential for athletic longevity.Dry land training is imperative for swimmers to build strength.Communication with physical therapists can help address issues early.Enjoying the journey of youth sports is as important as performance. Keywords physical therapy, injury prevention, strength training, youth sports, swimming, performance plateaus, recovery, holistic approach, athlete health, sports therapy

    44 min

  6. 12/02/2025

    What Swim Parents Can Learn From a Mental Training Coach: Interview with Dr. Nori Pennisi

    In this episode of the Swim Parent Podcast, Dr. Nori Pennisi discusses the vital role of mental training in sports, particularly swimming. She emphasizes the importance of understanding children's motivations, balancing support with independence, and avoiding comparisons with other athletes. Dr. Pennisi also highlights the significance of focusing on process goals rather than just outcomes, navigating challenges, and recognizing that not all children are naturally competitive. Ultimately, she encourages parents to foster resilience and help their children grow into well-rounded individuals through their sports experiences. To set up an appointment with Dr. Nori via email or phone: nori_pennisi@yahoo.com 919-389-1005 Takeaways Mental training is crucial for athletes' performance.Parents should understand their child's motivations for swimming.It's important to balance support and independence in sports.Avoid comparing your child's progress to others.Focus on process goals rather than just outcome goals.Parental roles shift as children grow and develop in sports.Allow children to experience disappointment and learn from it.Motivation should come from within the child, not external rewards.Recognize that not all children are naturally competitive.The ultimate goal is to help children become good adults, not just successful athletes. Keywords youth sports, mental training, parenting, swimming, motivation, athlete development, sports psychology, child development, goal setting, sports performance

    45 min

  7. 11/25/2025

    Becca Mann Interview: Music, Writing, Open Water, US National Team, Lady Gaga, and Measuring Success

    Summary In this engaging conversation, Becca Mann shares her journey as a swimmer, author, and advocate for mental health. She discusses her experiences in competitive swimming, the importance of family support, and how she has redefined success beyond just making the Olympics. Becca opens up about her struggles with OCD and the role of therapy in her life. She also highlights the differences between open water and pool swimming, her love for music, and her recent literary projects, including her young adult dystopian novel. Outside the Lanes: https://www.amazon.com/Outside-Lanes-Resilience-Reinvention-Redefining/dp/1963183118 Unruly: https://www.amazon.com/Unruly-Coming-Age-Dystopian-Secrets-ebook/dp/B0F3G3TDML?ref_=ast_author_mpb Website: https://www.becca-mann.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becca__mann/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beccawmann Takeaways Becca Mann is a two-time USA national champion and has broken multiple national age group records.She emphasizes the importance of defining success beyond just making the Olympics.Becca took a five-year break from swimming to focus on writing and personal growth.She believes in balancing life and swimming to avoid burnout.Family support has been crucial in her swimming journey.Becca discusses her experiences with OCD and how swimming helped her cope.Therapy is essential for managing OCD and understanding one's thoughts.Making the national team is a significant achievement, but it comes with challenges.Open water swimming requires different strategies compared to pool swimming.Becca's love for music plays a vital role in her pre-race routine. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Becca Mann and Her Book 04:36 The Journey of a Young Swimmer 07:13 Redefining Success in Swimming 10:12 Finding Balance in Swim Life 13:00 Family Support and Its Impact 15:44 Overcoming Challenges: The Role of OCD 24:26 Making the National Team Again 26:30 Navigating the Transition from Open Water to Pool Swimming 28:21 The Conflict Between Pool and Open Water Swimming 30:14 The Unique Challenges of Open Water Swimming 31:12 Strategies for Success in Open Water 34:20 The Importance of Open Water Clinics for Young Swimmers 34:46 Life as a National Team Member 35:46 Training for Upcoming Competitions 37:08 The Role of Music in Pre-Race Preparation 40:10 Imagining New Swimming Events 43:52 Exploring Becca's book Unruly 48:16 Thank you for listening 48:43 SPPwaterOUTROfinal.mp4 Keywords Becca Mann, swimming, open water, mental health, OCD, success, family support, national team, music, motivation

    49 min

  8. 11/18/2025

    Feeding Hungry Swimmers: What to Know About Protein, Creatine, and Hydration with Chris Newport

    In this episode of the Swim Parent Podcast, Roxana Perdue interviews Chris Newport, a registered dietitian and sports nutritionist, about the importance of nutrition for age group swimmers. They discuss fueling strategies for practice and meets, the role of protein and hydration, the impact of sugar on performance, and the benefits of creatine as a supplement. Chris shares practical tips for busy families to ensure their young athletes are well-nourished and engaged in their own nutrition. The conversation emphasizes building a healthy relationship with food and the importance of making informed choices for long-term wellness. Keywords nutrition, age group swimmers, fueling strategies, hydration, protein needs, sugar, creatine, busy families, healthy eating, sports nutrition https://www.theenduranceedge.com https://www.theenduranceedge.com/youth-sports-nutrition/ Promo Code SWIMPODPARENT for 10% off the Youth Feuling Edge Academy https://www.instagram.com/theenduranceedge Takeaways Nutrition is crucial for age group swimmers to perform their best.Swimmers need more calories than other kids their age due to increased activity levels.Timing of meals and snacks is important for optimal performance.Protein is essential for muscle growth and recovery.Hydration should be prioritized throughout the day, not just during practice.Sugar can be beneficial for quick energy before and during workouts.Creatine is a safe supplement for young athletes if they are hydrated.Engaging kids in meal preparation fosters ownership of their nutrition.Busy families can utilize convenient, healthy options from grocery stores.Food should be viewed as fuel and nourishment for lifelong wellness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nutrition for Swimmers 04:03 The Importance of Nutrition Timing 06:56 Fueling for Practice vs. Meets 11:24 The Role of Protein in Swimmer's Diet 16:01 Hydration Strategies for Swimmers 22:12 Understanding Electrolytes and Hydration Needs 24:58 The Role of Sports Drinks in Hydration 26:30 Sugar: A Necessary Fuel for Athletes 29:43 The Benefits and Use of Creatine 34:27 Practical Nutrition Tips for Busy Families 39:37 Food as Fuel: A Healthy Relationship with Nutrition 46:33 SPPoutro Follow the Swim Parent Podcast: https://www.theswimparentpod.com https://www.instagram.com/swimparentpod

    47 min

  9. Trailer

    The Swim Parent Podcast: Trailer

    The podcast for parents navigating the world of competitive age group swimming! I'm your non-swim-expert host, Roxana Perdue.

    1 min

Trailer

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out of 5
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About

The podcast for parents navigating the world of competitive youth swimming. I'm your host, Roxana Perdue. I'll be asking swim experts all the questions. Join us for some great conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    Roxana Perdue
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Roxana Perdue