The Aqua Strength Podcast

In episode 46, Brittany VanderGroef shares her experiences with various sports and the unique challenges of coaching different athletes. Brittany highlights the importance of building relationships with athletes and coaches, and understanding the specific needs of different sports. Brittany also discusses the cultural differences in training approaches, particularly in water polo, and offers valua...

In this episode, JB and Cal talk building community, shifting perspectives, understanding dosage, and the power of frequency. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this episode, or it provides any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show and leave us a review! The only way the ASP community grows, is if you share the show. Thank YOU so much. Link to Aqua Strength Athletes + JACKED...

In this episode of the pod JB and Cal chat about several topics including managing stress, allowing yourself to be vulnerable, how consistency pays off, and also share a cool announcement. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this episode, or it provides any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show and leave us a review! The only way the ASP community grows, is if you share the sh...

Episode 43 is a special one. JB and Cal welcome on one of Jack's biggest mentors in the field of S&C and life, Coach Josh Heidegger. Josh has over a decade of experience coaching at the collegiate level. He's spent time at some of the most renowned universities in the country including Cal Berkeley, University of Washington, and most recently USC where he served as Director of Olympic...

JB and Cal welcome back their first repeat guest, Sean Kao. Sean is the founder and head coach of Aquatic Sports Performance in Southern California. He is an absolutely incredible mind in the field with years of experience that is truly making a positive impact on a TON of athletes lives. We highly recommend checking out his instagram page (@aquaticsportsperformance) and YouTube channel. Meanwhile...

In this episode, JB and Cal chat with USC alumni and assistant coach for the Fordham University swim team, Harry Homans. Fresh off a trip to olympic trials and an incredible career at USC, Harry has taken a step onto the pool deck to begin his journey coaching. We cover topics such as transitioning from athlete to coach, making practices engaging, and MUCH more. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you...

In this episode of the pod, JB and Cal answer three Q&A questions. Topics include, the best ways to recover, difference between multi sport & single sport youth athletes, and are sports really that deep? The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this episode, or it provides any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show and leave us a review! The only way the ASP community grows,...

In episode 39, JB and Cal talk about the incomprehensible demands of sport, overuse injuries, and how surrounding yourself with great people is a complete game changer. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show! Send it to a friend, subscribe, like, and leave us a review. Thank you so much. Link to Aqua Strengt...

In the First episode of 2025, JB and Cal discuss the inevitable time that stands between you and what you want to achieve. The importance of consistency, surrounding yourself with great humans, & understanding that it will take longer than you think are key topics. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show!...

In this episode of The Aqua Strength Podcast, JB and Cal chat about the past year. Topics include embracing change, ASP's next steps, 2025 goals, & MUCH more. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show! Send it to a friend, subscribe, like, and leave us a review. Thank you so much. Link to Aqua Strength Athl...

In this episode of the pod JB and Cal chat with chiropractor, water polo coach, and friend, Dr. Sean Thomas. Sean played water polo at Pepperdine University, has been coaching for several years, and is a chiropractor in Southern California. Topics discussed include coaching teenage boys, getting started in the chiropractic world, enjoying the journey, and much more. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If...

In this episode of the pod, JB and Cal chat with registered dietitian, strength coach, & business owner, Carley Horan. Topics discussed include educating parents & athletes on nutrition, fostering healthy habits, fueling performance, & much more. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show! Send it to...

This episode was recorded a couple months ago when the podcast first went virtual. JB and Cal have some fun analyzing and discussing some of their most viewed (and controversial) posts on instagram. Topics include working too hard, athletes being treated unfairly, and taking accountability. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you...

In this episode of the pod JB and Cal chat with Cal's former boss and mentor, Coach Henry Adelman. Henry is a D1 Strength Coach who's been in the field for nearly a decade and has spent time at five different universities. He's a wealth of knowledge and truly an incredible human. Topics discussed include, the importance of building meaningful relationships with your athletes, having difficult conv...

In this episode of the pod, JB and Cal chat with Olympian, Coach, and founder of The Sprint Revolution, Brett Hawke. Brett has been trailblazing sprint swimming for decades and is a well known and incredible mind in the sport. Topics discussed include why swimming has been slow to evolve, muscular vs. neural fatigue, identifying sprinters, more about Brett's journey as an olympian & coach, and...

In episode 31 of the pod, JB and Cal chat with Head Varsity Coach of the Bolles School, Jake Gibbons. Jake has an incredible background in the sport and was recently promoted to the head varsity position where he'll look to continue to the success of the most renowned high school program in the country. Topics discussed include developing humans before athletes, prioritizing fun, building a cultur...

In episode 30 of the pod, JB and Cal chat with elite water polo player and swimmer turned coach, Zac Monsees. Zac played water polo & swam at Cal Berkeley, continues to do both under The Olympic Club, and coaches for SF Water Polo Club. Topics discussed include developing real mental toughness, how perspective can level you up as an athlete, putting the athlete first, and much more. Check out...

In this episode JB and Cal chat with University of Wisconsin Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, Matt Martinez. Matt has been coaching college swimming for the better part of a decade and has spent time at many incredible programs including Cal Berkeley and Notre Dame. Topics discussed include how to properly go about being recruited, being open to change as a coach, and the most important...

In episode 28 of The Aqua Strength Podcast, Jb and Cal chat with fellow performance coach and co-owner of Aquatic Sports Performance, Sean Kao. Sean is a brilliant mind in the aquatics S&C realm. He lives and operates his business in Southern California. Topics discussed include training youth athletes, recovery, having an impact, and much more. Find Sean and his team on instagram @aquaticspor...

In this episode JB and Cal chat with strength coach and wrestling coach, Tim Duffy. Tim is a brilliant trainer who continues to compete himself, has a large presence on social media, and a great outlook on coaching. Topics discussed include the importance of coaches continuing to play the sport, having a more important impact on your athletes, and being open to growth as a coach. The Aqua Strength...

In episode 26 of the pod JB and Cal chat with LSU alumni and professional swimmer turned coach, Joao Mescolote. Joao is a phenomenal mind in the sport of swimming who currently coaches at NC State. He's got a passion for exploring training methods, strength training, and all things performance. Topics covered include all things swim training, moving through the college game, trial and error, t...

In episode 25 of the pod, JB and Cal host their first virtual guest, Grant House. Grant is a pro swimmer that has represented USA on the international level and competed in three Olmympic trials. Grant is also and ASU alumni who now works as a performance coach training athletes. Topics covered include college swimming, how successful programs operate, strength training for aquatic athletes, and m...

In this episode JB and Cal chat with former D1 Javelin thrower, Nick Momaney. They talk about starting a brand new sport in high school, the ins and outs of throwing, setbacks from major injuries, and nerd out about training. Enjoy the episode! The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you please share the show! Send it to a friend, sub...

In episode 23, JB and Cal chat with former USC captain, professional water polo player, and bay area local, Marcus Longton. Topics such as his time at USC and in Spain playing pro, the importance of steady growth as an athlete, and being short minded after making a mistake are discussed. The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast and it brings you any sort of value, we ask that you ple...

In episode 22 of the the podcast JB and Cal chat with an indcredible athlete and friend, Brendan Ryan. Brendan is a junior at Seattle University where he is a part of the men's swim team. We talk about his journey through swimming, competing at the Ireland Olympic Trials, and managing nerves in high pressure situations. Enjoy the Episode! The Aqua Strength Agreement: If you enjoy this podcast...