AOAP's Discussions from the Deep End

In this episode of  AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , host Daniel Peters and co‑host Kirsten Barnes sit down with  Justin Grosse  and  Sarah Davenport  from  Carson Valley Swim Center.  Together, they explore how one aquatic facility has grown into a true community hub—blending recreation, safety, education, workforce development, and signature events that keep families coming back. Justin an...

In this episode of  AOAP’s Discussions from the Deep End , hosts Daniel Peters and Kirsten Barnes sit down with two longtime leaders in the aquatics industry—Mark Basnight and Bob Kappel—to talk about careers, connections, and the future of aquatic operations. With decades of combined experience across municipal aquatics, water treatment, product development, and industry leadership, Mark and Bob...

In this episode of the Association of Aquatic Professionals Podcast, host Daniel Peters and co-host Kirsten Barnes sit down with Cory Hilderbrand, AOAP Board Member, Past President, and Deputy Director for the City of Irvine, to explore one of the most important skills in aquatics: gaining support from leaders outside the field. With more than 20 years of experience spanning lifeguarding, municipa...

In this episode of  Discussions from the Deep End , host Daniel Peters and co-host Kirsten Barnes talk with Tyler Anderson about resilience, critical incident response, and supporting aquatic teams before a crisis happens. Tyler shares a practical perspective on how aquatic professionals can strengthen staff wellbeing, build peer support, and create healthier team culture. This conversation highli...

In this episode of  Discussions from the Deep End , host Daniel Peters and co-host Kirsten Barnes welcome Nathalie Martin for a wide-ranging conversation about drowning prevention, leadership, and the power of communication to improve aquatic safety. Nathalie shares insights from her work across more than 20 countries, offering a global perspective on the challenges aquatic professionals face and...

AOAP launches Discussions from the Deep End , a podcast built for aquatic professionals who want real conversations, practical ideas, and stronger, safer programs. In this kickoff episode, host Daniel Peters is joined by AOAP leadership—Assistant Director Kirsten Barnes & Current AOAP President Joey LaNeve—to introduce the “why” behind the podcast and what listeners can expect moving forward....