Dreamers Beware

The first episode of The Dreamer’s Journal dives into a powerful question: Why are so many young athletes afraid of competition? In this short episode, we explore where that fear comes from and how coaches, parents, and athletes can help bring the joy back to competing.

In this episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast, I sit down with Scott Young, a teacher and former swimming and diving coach at Albany Academy, to dive deep into the true meaning of TEAM. During this episode we talk about what it’s really like stepping into a program as a new coach, how to honor what already exists while intentionally shifting culture, and the mistakes coaches often make when tryin...

In this episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast, I sit down with Manny Pollard, a 3x NCAA Division I All-American diver from the University of Minnesota. Today Manny is looked upon as one of the top diving coaches within the country. His coaching journey has taken him to programs across the country, including Illinois, Texas, and Minnesota. Manny has also become the first black diving coach for Tea...

In this week’s episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast, I sit down with Gregg Parini, who is beginning his 39th season as the head coach of Denison University’s men’s and women’s swimming and diving teams. We dive into Gregg’s journey — how he fell in love with the sport of swimming and the path that ultimately led him to Denison. He opens up about his coaching philosophy, the culture he has create...

In this week’s episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast, I sit down with Will Helm, a lacrosse goalie whose journey started at St. Lawrence University and led him all the way to starting in the 2023 Division I Lacrosse National Championship game for Duke University. We dive into Will’s incredible path from Division III to the biggest stage in college lacrosse, exploring the challenges, lessons, and...

In this week’s episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast, I sit down with Mitch Williams, a recovering alcoholic and addict who’s now 8 years sober. We go beyond the surface of addiction as we explore what it really is, how it’s classified, and when does it end? Mitch will share his raw and honest story of recovery. He reflects on the lessons he’s learned through sobriety and offers advice to anyone...

In this week’s episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast, I sit down with my good friend Jerome Heidrich. We dive into his work with Deep End Fitness and how their training builds mental resilience through controlled stress and underwater challenges. Jerome also shares insight into his role in the Underwater Torpedo League, a unique and intense team based competition. But the heart of this episode is...

In this weeks episode of the Dreamers Beware podcast I sit down with Kevin Gillooly the 2022 DIII 50 freestyle national champion from Rowan University and Nick Goudie a key contributor to Emory University’s three consecutive swimming and diving national titles (22-24). In this episode, Kevin and Nick share their journeys to becoming national champions. Revealing how both the highs and the setbacks...

Welcome to the first episode of the Dreamers Beware Podcast. Our first guest, Katie Sprague, is a clinical psychologist with a background in leadership consulting and experience working with varsity athletes at Denison University. In this episode, we dive into the meaning of adversity, why it matters, and how it shapes personal growth. We discuss our journeys while swimming at Denison University a...