Champions Mojo for Masters Swimmers

6d ago

A special episode to get you in the Christmas spirit! We meet Kirk Clear , a force in U.S. Masters Swimming, an Air Force Veteran and a legend in his Florida community for something entirely different: creating a jaw-dropping, music-synchronized Christmas light display that brings joy to thousands each year. Kirk calls himself a "Crazy Christmas Light Illuminator." Kirk approaches the holidays the same way he approaches Masters swimming— with discipline, creativity, and a deep commitment to community . While many of us are winding down in December, Kirk is climbing bucket trucks, wrapping 50-foot palm trees in lights, syncing music, hosting snow machines for kids, and raising money for veteran-focused charities—all while still showing up at swim practice four to five days a week. Kirk is a member of the Swim Melbourne Masters. Recorded on deck at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center during the Fall Classic Short Course Meters Meet, this conversation captures Kirk’s energy, humility, and unmistakable love for both swimming and service. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Kirk discovered Masters swimming in his early 20s—and why he’s still all-in 35+ years later The national Masters backstroke record he set by embracing change and opportunity Why consistency, not excuses, is his approach to training—even after 19 surgeries The story behind his legendary Christmas and Fourth of July light shows (and why July is “Christmas season” for him) How giving back—to kids, veterans, and the swimming community—fuels his purpose Why volunteering is essential to the future of Masters swimming A reminder that staying young isn’t about avoiding wear and tear—it’s about doing what you love Kirk Clear is proof that excellence doesn’t have to be loud—but it can be brilliantly lit. Whether he’s flipping at the wall, mentoring volunteers, or turning his front yard into a Christmas masterpiece, Kirk shows us that passion multiplied by consistency can create something truly unforgettable. Perfect for the holiday season, this episode is about joy, service, resilience, and finding ways to light the way for others —in the pool and beyond. 🎁 Merry Christmas from Champion’s Mojo—and enjoy this inspiring conversation with Kirk Clear 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

Dec 10

It's on deck with Eddie Tiozzo—age 52, former water polo player, and PhD in exercise physiology—to unpack how smart training, strong shoulders, and a dynamic mindset can carry you through decades in the sport. Eddie’s story moves from Croatia and Italy to Florida pool decks as a member of Swim Ft. Lauderdale Masters, and along the way he shows how curiosity and consistency beat rigid formulas every time. We dig into his favorite events—the 100 back and 100 IM—and the weekly plan that keeps him fast and healthy: four swims of 3–4.5K, two focused gym sessions, and one stretching session. Eddie breaks down why “broken,” varied sets trump cookie-cutter 10x100s, how to use bands effectively without ignoring weights, and the power of alternating lighter, high-rep days with heavier, low-rep sessions. If pull-ups are out of reach, he shares a scalable assisted variation that builds true pulling strength for better catch mechanics, stronger starts, and shoulder resilience. Beyond sets and reps, Eddie opens up about earning his PhD later in life, tackling an open water 10K as a dedicated sprinter, and why community keeps him coming back to the blocks. We swap notes on Federica Pellegrini, reading real books, and the quiet discipline that turns good habits into lasting performance. Whether you’re chasing a Masters best time, trying to stay pain-free, or craving a fresh training spark, you’ll find practical ideas you can apply at your next practice. If this conversation gave you a boost, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review on Apple to help more swimmers find us. Your support keeps the momentum flowing—see you on deck. 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

Dec 3

Want to know what it takes to get faster with less time and more life on your plate? We sit with AGUA Masters swimmer Eve Maidenberg at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center to unpack how a New York Youth Centered team culture, smart training, and relentless curiosity turned a once-retired age-grouper into a 49-year-old dropping times she never touched at 18. Eve opens up about AGUA’s unique mix of recent grads and seasoned pros, where mentorship flows both ways and great coaching keeps athletes engaged. We talk venues—Asphalt Green’s long-course pool NE uptown and a 25-yard setup downtown—and why variety matters for pacing, turns, and confidence. Then it’s 200 free nerdery: how to craft a painful-but-winnable race, why some elite swimmers breathe in and out of every wall, and when oxygen management beats rigid rules. If middle distance is your sweet spot, you’ll hear practical tactics you can apply in the next set. Training isn’t just more yards. Eve shares a weekly rhythm of six pool sessions, focused strength training three times a week, yoga for mobility, and spin when needed to build capacity without breaking down. We dig into favorite sets like descending-interval 200s and shotgun progressions, which force efficiency as the clock tightens and teach a fearless close. The conversation turns deeply personal as she recounts coming back from a hip stress fracture and a heart issue, the mindset shifts those injuries demanded, and how smarter planning turned setbacks into speed. You’ll walk away with concrete ideas for masters training, insight into pacing the 200 free, and a reminder that community is a performance tool. If you love swim strategy, resilient comebacks, and the spark of a team that shows up for each other, this one belongs in your queue. Enjoy the story, try the sets, and tell us how you’d pace your next 200. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review so more swimmers can find it. 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

Nov 26

A pool deck can feel like a second home, and today’s conversation proves why. In this brand New episode we chat with attorney and masters swimmer William Robinson at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center to trace a life shaped by laps: early lessons in New Haven, Connecticut with Olympic great Don Schollander, a joyful return sparked by his daughters, and a training rhythm that blends endurance heart with sprint ambitions. William shares the open water feat that tested his grit—a nine-mile lighthouse swim—and explains why the 50 free still calls his name as he chases speed, craft, and longevity. What stands out most is how the water sharpens his mind for the courtroom. William describes using swims as moving meditation, a place where arguments settle, focus deepens, and solutions surface. He walks us through his go-to set of 10x100 on a sustainable sendoff, the value of three to four weekly sessions at Victory Pool, and the quiet confidence that comes from realistic, consistent training. We also swap notes on heroes: Michael Phelps for his relentless range and Katie Ledecky for decade-long excellence and process-driven mastery. The heart of the episode is purpose. William celebrates his family, including a daughter who became the first Black woman to earn a PhD in nuclear engineering from MIT, and he channels that pride into advocacy for a more diverse aquatics community. From Florida to Texas, he sees momentum and calls on all of us to extend more invitations, build pipelines, and make the deck welcoming for every swimmer. If you care about performance, balance, and impact, this story offers a model: use sport to think better, live calmer, and open doors for others. If this conversation moved you, tap follow, share it with a teammate, and leave a quick review to help more swimmers and fans find the show. Your support keeps these stories flowing. 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

Nov 19

On deck in Fort Lauderdale at the 2025 Fall Classic Meet, Host Kelly Palace interviews International Swimming Hall of Famer and Masters Swimming Icon, Tim Shead as we explore how a missed shot at the 1976 Olympic Trials became the spark for a lifetime of learning, longevity, and dozens of world records. Tim’s story is a lesson in patience, training culture, and the quiet power of choosing meaningful swims over hollow wins. We trace his path from Florida age-group lanes to the University of Pennsylvania and three decades in South Africa, where he sharpened his approach to nutrition, recovery, and resilience. Tim explains why his favorite event—the 100 IM—perfectly matches his philosophy: balance the strokes, manage the fade, slow the slowest. He talks candidly about the joy of training more than racing, the importance of lane mates who “ask no quarter and give no quarter,” and how simple, progressive sets can create compounding gains. Expect practical details on frequency, volume, and mindset—plus how water doubles as refuge when life gets loud. One of the most moving moments is Tim’s account of spotting a young Kirsty Coventry’s potential and making the call that helped redirect her path—an example of mentorship that echoes through Olympic history. Along the way we dig into late-career peaks, personal bests at 55, and why success in Masters swimming is less about medals and more about honest progress. If you’re chasing faster times, deeper joy, or a training reset, this conversation delivers the perspective and tools to keep you moving forward. Subscribe, share with your lane mates, and leave a review to help more swimmers 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

Nov 13

Brand New episode! What if the missing link in your recovery isn’t another supplement or stretch, but energy at the cellular level? We sit down with Dr. Zulia Frost—medical doctor, researcher, and co-founder of Recharge Health—to unpack how photobiomodulation, neuromodulation, and sound can help your body heal faster, perform better, and sleep deeper without side effects. Zulia’s story is a powerful one: a devastating car accident, spinal fractures, and paralysis in her right leg. Conventional care saved her life, but it was targeted red and infrared light, gentle nerve stimulation, and a disciplined movement routine that rebuilt it. She explains in plain language how red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with mitochondria to increase ATP, release nitric oxide, and open blood flow—key steps that reduce pain, accelerate collagen repair, and restore function in joints and muscles. We compare sunlight to devices, discuss why consistent dosing matters, and reveal why wearable, skin-contact designs can deliver a reliable, high-intensity dose where you need it most. Get 10% off on FlexBeam at www.ChampionsMojo.com/FlexBeam and enter championsmojo as a coupon code at check out. Pain lives in the nervous system as much as in tissue, so we dive into neuromodulation for endorphin-driven relief and layer in sound therapy to shift brain waves toward calm. Zulia shares practical routines for athletes and everyday movers: short sessions for acute injuries, broader mapping for chronic issues, and pre-activation before training to boost output. She also offers simple, science-backed habits—consistent bedtimes, a few minutes of morning red light over the chest or abdomen, stretching before the day’s load, and brief walks—that support circadian rhythm, gut health, and resilience over time. We close with clear guidance on facial use, eye safety, and how to personalize settings without guesswork. Whether you’re rehabbing a shoulder, chasing a PR in the pool, or trying to sleep through the night, this conversation gives you a practical blueprint to turn light, sound, and routine into results. If this helped you rethink recovery, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review to help others find it. • photobiomodulation basics and why mitochondria matter • nitric oxide, blood flow, and faster tissue repair • wearable versus panel devices and sunlight trade-offs • dosing for acute injuries, chronic pain, and sport prep • neuromodulation for pain relief and endorphins • sound therapy, brain waves, and deeper sleep • routines for circadian health, stretching, and breathing • gut microbiome support with red light • safe face use and eye protection guidance • a proactive approach to long-term vitality Visit Recharge Health to learn more about FlexBeam and create your routine today 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

Nov 6

What if the thing you’re avoiding is the doorway to your best self? In this fan favorite encore episode: that’s the challenge Brian Bergford accepted when he took a lifelong panic response to water and turned it into masters swimming medals, national podiums, and a practical playbook for courage you can use today. We sit down with Brian—peak performance coach, certified dog trainer, and author of Transformational Dog Training—to unpack the crucial difference between fear and phobia and the wise way to tackle both. He shares how a simple motive bigger than ego, broken down into clear milestones and daily reps, can move you from avoidance to action. You’ll hear the story arc from sloppy first laps to joining a masters team, entering races, qualifying for nationals, and aiming at a championship. The tools are surprisingly simple: stop tolerating your own excuses, stack micro wins, and get in the pool before your brain talks you out of it. Brian also introduces “emotional visitors,” a memorable lens for mental hygiene. Don’t entertain guilt, anger, or fear; acknowledge them and leave the door open. When joy or excitement knocks, run to greet them and amplify the signal. That same energy lens explains why dog training often starts with human training. As a behavior specialist, Brian has seen how dogs read the pack’s vibe, not just commands. He shares a powerful case where unresolved family tension drove canine conflict—and how aligning the household’s structure and state calmed both people and pets. If you’re feeling worn down, consider whether you’re actually under-inspired. This conversation blends sports psychology, canine behavior, and everyday spiritual practice into a grounded guide for taking back your attention and choosing action over anxiety. Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to tell us the one fear you’re ready to face 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

Oct 30

One of our very favorite episodes on how to train, taper, and thrive in Masters Swimming. In this encore show we sat down with world record masters swimmer and veteran swim journalist Jeff Cummings to map out a smarter path to speed: focused training, practical tapering, honest recovery, and habits you can sustain with a full-time job and a full life. Jeff opens up about training alone and still finding intensity, the “exercise sets” that harden race finish, and why four quality days plus one true recovery swim beat mindless yardage every time. Everyone wants to know how to taper for a Masters Swim Meet! We dig into how to build speed as an aging athlete, especially for triathletes and distance swimmers crossing into 50s and 100s. Jeff’s method is clear: make sprinting a skill you practice year-round, target stroke rate and pull mechanics, and give your body six to twelve months to adapt. His taper philosophy flips convention—most masters don’t need two weeks off. He keeps sessions at or above 2,500 yards, trims intensity to preserve pop, and stops heavy weights about ten days out so he shows up springy, not stale. Strength, recovery, and nutrition round out the engine. Twice-weekly lifting maintains muscle mass without bulking. Stretching isn’t optional; Jeff builds mobility into pool decks, showers, and daily routines so soreness doesn’t harden into tightness. His “daytime vegan” approach—plant-forward days with animal protein at night—dropped his cholesterol, stabilized energy, and restored race power. We also explore stress and blood pressure, the realities of running a business, and the mindset tools that turn lactic burn into competitive fuel. Beyond performance, Jeff champions inclusion through Swimmers For Change. He shares simple ways to diversify the pool deck: invite a friend, buy the first lesson, follow up until it sticks. If you’re looking for masters swimming tips, sprint training for adults, taper strategy, dryland strength, recovery stretching, and inclusive community building, this conversation brings it all together in a plan you can actually live. If it helps you, share it with a teammate, subscribe for more, and leave a quick review so others 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