Episodes

Sep 19, 2024

Welcome to another episode of Black in Aquatics: Freedom Through Swimming. I'm your host, Tazaria, also known as Coach T, and today I'm flying solo to give you some important updates about the project. First, the biggest change is my new location—I'm now in Belize, Central America, my family's motherland. It feels great to be back home, and I'm eager to get involved with local projects and businesses. If you know of any, please let me know! Next, I'm planning to do more interviews this season. If you're a Black professional in the aquatic space or serve the Black community, please reach out to me. Your participation would be invaluable since this is a one-person operation. Regarding the website, blacknaquatics.com , I'm debating whether to keep it up due to low traffic. However, the podcast will still have a website, thanks to hosting providers. I appreciate having a platform to post blog updates when needed. Speaking of content, I'm active on Instagram, though I can't promise frequent posts. Recently, I've been exploring Nostr, a decentralized social media protocol. If you're curious, check out nostr.com for more information. Lastly, tomorrow is World Cleanup Day, an initiative by the UN to address the global waste crisis. To close out this week's episode, enjoy some lively banter from Coach Q, Kalvin, Shana, and myself. Thanks for tuning in, peace! ✌🏽 https://nostr.org/ https://www.worldcleanupday.org/

Sep 11, 2024

Welcome back Coach Shana. Website: diversifiedswimming.com Instagram: diversified_swimming_inc

Sep 4, 2024

Welcome to another episode of Black in Aquatics: Freedom Through Swimming. Today, Coach T sits down with Pearl, the innovative entrepreneur behind Beach Body Butter. Pearl shares her journey from learning to surf with Sisters of the Sea to creating her own line of body butters designed for surfers and ocean lovers. Discover the inspiration behind her products, Miami and Venice, and the meticulous process she follows to ensure premium quality. Pearl also provides insights into the challenges of launching a skincare line, the importance of using essential oils, and her upcoming pre-launch sale. Tune in to hear about her plans to make Beach Body Butter a staple for those who cherish their time in the water. Website: https://beachbodybutter.com

Aug 28, 2024

Welcome to another episode of Black in Aquatics: Freedom Through Swimming. Today, Coach T sits down with Coach Q, owner and operator of Swimming with Coach Q. They discuss Coach Q's unique journey into the aquatics industry, transitioning from an IT background to becoming a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. Despite entering the field later in life, Coach Q shares her passion for water safety and drowning prevention, and the welcoming nature of the aquatics community. They also touch on the importance of representation and increasing the presence of Black women in aquatics. Coach Q reveals her future plans to expand her business, offering a complete aquatic experience that goes beyond swimming. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Aug 14, 2024

Welcome back to another episode of Black in Aquatics: Freedom Through Swimming. Today, we are joined by Coach Kalvin from Houston, Texas. Coach Kalvin shares his inspiring journey from learning to swim at six years old to becoming a collegiate swimmer at a Division II school in West Virginia. He opens up about the challenges he faced, including racial discrimination and encounters with the KKK, while also emphasizing the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing life beyond your hometown. Coach Kalvin discusses his experience lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons to all age groups, from infants to seniors. He also talks about his recent coaching success at the Houstonian, where his team celebrated an undefeated season and their second championship. Looking ahead, Coach Kalvin aims to take his passion for teaching swimming internationally. In addition to his work in aquatics, Coach Kalvin is a strong advocate for mental health and runs a clothing line called K-N9NE Fitness. He highlights the importance of a healthy mindset and how proper nutrition and fitness routines have positively impacted his life, both in and out of the pool. Don't miss this episode filled with resilience, motivation, and valuable insights into the world of Black aquatics and beyond. Stay focused on your goals and remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. IG: https://www.instagram.com/kalvin_spells_/

Aug 6, 2024

Welcome to another episode of Black in Aquatics: Freedom Through Swimming. Coach T sits down with Shana, founder of Let Us Swim, to discuss her extensive background in competitive swimming, her journey through burnout, and her transition into teaching swimming, especially to children with autism. Shana shares her mission for Let Us Swim to become a household name, emphasizing the importance of reeducating Black youth about their historical connection to water. She also discusses the unique approach Let Us Swim takes by incorporating education into swimming lessons. Don't miss this inspiring conversation!

Jul 30, 2024

Black in Aquatics: Freedom Through Swimming Season two trailer.

Oct 13, 2023

This week we feature some community updates: Last of the Herd : Mini Documentary about Howard University Swimming and Diving Team Water is Our Medicine TrailerWater Safety Festival by SBR4life (more info can be found on IG) National Association of Black Scuba Divers Summit Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fmReach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Sep 29, 2023

What's good y'all! This week we celebrate Anthony Nesty being announced the 2024 U.S. Men's Swim Team Head Coach, Simone Manuel's Foundation, and the Grand Opening for Diversified Swimming, Inc. Anthony Nesty Head Coach Article Simone Manuel Foundation Website Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Aug 4, 2023

August is Black Business Month. So don't forget to show them some love! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

May 27, 2023

This week I talk about some community announcements, being a proud big sis, and the release of The Little Mermaid. Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Apr 22, 2023

This weeks Episode highlight Diversity in Aquatics . We also mentioned some community announcement: Wade in The Water: A Journey into Black Surfing And Aquatic Culture screening added for May 6th in Atlanta, GA. Black on the Scene along with Courageous Leap and Cultured Books Literacy Foundation are raising $15,000 to rent out a theater so 200 black girls can see "The Little Mermaid." GoFundme Link Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Apr 15, 2023

This week's episode features a few updates from this past week including: Recap of Water Safety Festival 201 Webinar DIA update for May 6th event Let Us Swim Summer Program for kids Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Apr 8, 2023

This week's topics include: April Pool's Day Success! The Swim Proud Fund by Soul Cap DIA announces an event Mobile Swim Training is now accepting new clients in Tallahassee and Jacksonville! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Apr 1, 2023

This week's episode I talk about Simone Manuel and Howard University's Mens Swimming and Diving Team. Congratulations to everyone involved in making them the NEC Champions! I didn't mention them in the pod but congratulations to their womens swimming and diving team as well. I know there were records set over the course of their five days at the championship. Head Above Water: Simone Manuel Sports Illustrated: How the Only All-Black Team in College Swimming Became the Sport's Hottest Ticket Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Jan 21, 2023

Happy New Year! This weeks episode just talks about some news that been released. Simone Manuel released a short documentary that you can watch here ! I highly recommend. I jumped on an IG with Shauna from Let Us Swim and Nija of A black girl who swims and we discussed the global swim culture and how we can improve it for the black community. It can be watched here ! Thanks for checking in! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Dec 30, 2022

This weeks episode highlights Copacabana Surf Village. A Senegalese owned surf village in Dakar founded by Babacar Thiaw and his father. Copacabana website: https://copacabanasurfvillage.com/ The Guardian article: https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/dec/26/seas-becoming-landfills-senegalese-surfer-saving-beach-from-plastic?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-1 Travel Noire article: https://travelnoire.com/man-behind-senegals-black-owned-surf-village Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Dec 23, 2022

This week's episode goes over a device that could help prevent drownings, apptrakk. Topics: FINA World Championships 2022 APPTRAKK article featured in Thomas Happy Holidays! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Dec 18, 2022

This weeks episode covers some happenings in the world of aquatics. FINA changes their name to World Aquatics Diversity in Aquatics host water safety festival and HBCU swim meet Nic Askew Swim and Dive Camp details revealed Thanks for checking in! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Dec 9, 2022

This week's episode shares some updates about a few things going on in the aquatics industry and with me. Thanks for checking in ✌🏽 LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/freedomthroughswimming Water Safety USA: What to Look for in a Learn to Swim Program Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Dec 4, 2022

On this week's episode, I talk about a few projects I'm working on that are coming together slowly but surely. I also review news released by USA Swimming and the Nigeria Aquatic Federation. Links about Nigeria Lifesaving Program below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-QVx8Ptzzc https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2022/09/28/nigeria-aquatic-federation-plans-to-make-swimming-money-making-sport/ Thanks for checking in! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Nov 20, 2022

This weeks episode highlights Black Girl Sunscreen. Check out their website here Thanks for checking in! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Nov 11, 2022

In this weeks episode, I talk very briefly about my upcoming LGI Course and short film: The Black Mermaid. 10/10 I highly recommend watching it. Watch it here Zandile Ndhlovu My blog post about the film Thanks for checking in! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Nov 4, 2022

This week's episode I talk about: ~off season projects ~business happenings ~USA Swimming sponsorship announcement: https://www.usaswimming.org/news/2022/11/02/usa-swimming-announces-landmark-sponsorship-with-oneamerica-financial-partners Thanks for checking in! Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Oct 29, 2022

Today's episode will highlight Swimma Caps, a black owned swim company based out of Cape Town. website: https://swimma.co.za/wp3/ #blackinaquatics #freedomthroughswimming Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Oct 21, 2022

On this weeks episode, we highlight the company Soul Cap. https://soulcap.com/blogs/editorial/catch-us-on-sky-sports-in-a-new-swim-documentary-for-black-history-month Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Oct 14, 2022

An intro to the host and a recap of FINA and Soul Cap swimming caps. Finally, there is 'wrong' hair for swimming by Alice Dearing https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/sep/02/hair-swimming-black-women-identity-swimmers?CMP=oth_b-aplnews_d-3 Soul Cap: Afro swimming Cap approved after Olympic ban https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-62765571 Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽

Oct 7, 2022

Black in Aquatics Trailer Support the show Thanks for checking in! To support via value 4 valve our lightning address is ⚡️ blackinaquatics@fountain.fm Reach out to us: podcast@blackinaquatics.com Website: https://blackinaquatics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_blackinaquatics/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackinaquatics TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blackinaquatics Peace ✌🏽