Unfiltered Waters

Olympic silver medalist, world champion and short course world record holder Luke Hobson is back on Unfiltered Waters, this time in person with Katie Hoff Anderson at the University of Texas, to talk about Pan Pacs, chasing the 1:42.0 and life as a pro in Bob Bowman's group. Luke won the 200 free at Pan Pacs in front of a home crowd and went 1-2 with Gabriel Jett, and he still left a little disappointed. He explains why. It was his first year as a pro, with no NCAA season and no trials meet,...

Three-time Olympic champion and 12-time world champion Summer McIntosh sits down with Katie Hoff Anderson in person for the first time, in the Hall of Fame at the University of Texas, to explain what went wrong at Pan Pacs, what she changed afterwards, and what life looks like now that Austin is home. Summer walks through her 2026 season from the inside. She got sick at Canadian Trials, and Bob Bowman was the one who pulled her out of the meet, days after she broke the 200 fly world record i...

Lani Pallister, the Australian distance swimmer who beat Katie Ledecky in the 800 free at Pan Pacs this summer, joins Katie Hoff Anderson and Elizabeth Beisel to explain what changed when she moved to Dean Boxall's squad at St Peters, why she still expects herself to swim fast, and what it is really like racing the kindest person in the sport. Lani walks through the last 18 months, from a mid-season move in the spring of 2025 to a World Championships final in Singapore that everyone had fram...

Luka Mijatovic is a newly minted Longhorn, American record holder in the 1000 free, seven-time gold medalist at this year's Junior Pan Pacs and the youngest male to win a national title other than Michael Phelps. The Northern California swimmer joins Katie Hoff Anderson to explain why he committed early to Texas to train under Bob Bowman, why he felt ready to leave his club team now, and how he is setting himself up to make the Olympic team in LA. Luka walks through the summer that got him h...

Cam McEvoy holds the 50 freestyle world record at 20.88 and is the reigning Olympic and world champion in the event. In a normal 50 training block, he swims about 1.5K a week. Fresh off Commonwealth Games gold in Glasgow, the Australian sprinter joins Katie Hoff Anderson to explain the gym-first, low-volume approach he built after Tokyo, why it runs against so much of how swimming has always trained, and why he believes the sport has not even seen its ceiling for strength yet. Cam walks thro...

Kaylee McKeown returns to Unfiltered Waters, and Katie Hoff Anderson catches her in the middle of the hardest year of her career. Kaylee is a five-time Olympic gold medalist, a world record holder and a world champion, and at the time of this conversation she is back to five swim sessions a week at 4K with no intensity and a heart rate monitor tucked into her cap. Glandular fever pulled her out of the Commonwealth Games and the Pan Pacific Championships and left her watching the rest of the w...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff continues her Australian series, three and a half weeks postpartum, sitting down with world champion and Australian record holder Sam Short. He just swept the distance triple, the four hundred, eight hundred, and fifteen hundred free, at both Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacs, and broke Grant Hackett's twenty five year old Australian record in the fifteen hundred along the way. So what does it actually feel like to become the swimmer you grew up ...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff is back hosting, recording fifteen days postpartum and launching a new run of episodes with Australian swimmers. Her first guest is Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder Mollie O'Callaghan, who made the gutted call to pull out of the Pan Pacific Championships after stress fractures turned up in her back right before Trials. So how do you walk away from a full season of work and still call that choice smart. Mollie walks thr...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson fill in for Katie Hoff, a week from having her baby girl, and sit down with Team USA breaststroker McKenzie Siroky right before the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a personal best in the 100 breast at nationals, capping two hard months when her stroke feel vanished. She tracks nearly every metric of her training. So how does one of the most data driven swimmers on the team find her way back by feeling instead...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson fill in for Katie Hoff, about a week out from giving birth, and sit down with Olympic medalist Katharine Berkoff right before the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a hard lesson in Singapore last year: getting sick and having to trust her training instead of her control. The 100 back is the race she says has her heart. So what does it take to let go of what you can't control and still call it a successful meet?...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson fill in for Katie Hoff, about a week out from giving birth to her daughter, and sit down with Emma Weyant ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. It has been a strange year for her: a full training block with no Olympic Trials to break it up, and one of the hardest, most rewarding stretches of her career. So what does it take to trust a year of work you haven't gotten to prove yet? Emma walks through the overhaul that h...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson, Katie Hoff's husband, fill in a week before she gives birth, sitting down with Olympic medalist Katie Grimes ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a national title in the 1500 free, but at Pan Pacs she's skipping that race for the 10K open water, an event she hasn't swum in two years and chose to bring back herself. So why give up your best event for one that takes almost two hours and offers no secon...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson, Katie Hoff's husband, fill in a week before she gives birth, sitting down with Olympic medalist Alex Walsh ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. She's coming off a nationals 200 IM she's proud of and has added the 400 IM back into her lineup after years away. It has been a strange stretch: a birthday time trial, and months earlier, the roughest meet of her career. So how does a veteran who has quietly weighed walking ...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Elizabeth Beisel and Todd Anderson host in Katie Hoff's place while she stays home to welcome her baby girl, sitting down with four time Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke ahead of the Pan Pacific Championships. It is a different year for him: no Olympic Trials, and a rare full month home in July. He first swam this meet eight years ago. So what does it feel like to chase the same nerves that have carried him to gold every time, on purpose? Bobby explains...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Todd Anderson hosts alongside Elizabeth Beisel, filling in for Katie Hoff, a week out from giving birth. They sit down with world record holder Kate Douglass, recorded the week before Pan Pacs 2026 and airing during the meet. Her freestyle has surged this season to the point that it now crowds her breaststroke on the schedule. The episode turns on a question she still has not answered: which two events to swim, and whether she can pull off both in one ses...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel steps in as guest host alongside Todd Anderson while Katie Hoff Anderson is a week out from giving birth. Together they sit down with Katie Ledecky, Olympic champion, world record holder, and the most decorated female swimmer in history, in the days before she races the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. It's the first international meet of her career held on home soil, something she's still a little stunned by fourteen year...

n this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Olympic medalist Elizabeth Beisel steps in as guest host alongside Todd Anderson while Katie Hoff Anderson is a week out from giving birth. Together they sit down with Olympic champion and world record holder Gretchen Walsh for a wide-ranging conversation recorded just days before the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. Fresh off a summer of international racing and her first season as a full-time professional, Gretchen opens up about what success actually loo...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff Anderson is joined by swim analyst Kevin Cargill to preview one of the biggest meets on the international calendar: the 2026 Pan Pacific Championships. Whether you've been following the sport all season or you're just tuning in before the first race, this episode gets you ready for everything to watch in the days ahead. From the biggest storylines and can't-miss races to relay implications and breakout stars, Katie and Kevin break down the ath...

Greg Meehan returns to Unfiltered Waters for an in-depth conversation reflecting on his first year leading USA Swimming and the challenges that come with guiding one of the world's most successful national teams. Joined by Olympian Katie Hoff Anderson, Greg shares what it's been like settling into the role, navigating major life transitions, and finding clarity after a whirlwind first season. The conversation explores the future of American swimming, from long-term Olympic planning to develop...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, it's all about one thing: hot takes. Katie Hoff Anderson sits down with four of Team USA's biggest stars: Phoebe Bacon, Gretchen Walsh, Michael Andrew, and Katharine Berkoff to debate the opinions everyone has but rarely says out loud. From swimming controversies to travel etiquette, social media, music, reality TV, and everything in between, no topic is off limits. Should the person in the middle seat always get the armrest? Is one pull into the wall du...

Coach Ray Looze has spent more than two decades building one of the premier programs in college swimming, but this conversation goes far beyond wins and championships. Joined by Olympians Lilly King and Katie Hoff Anderson, Ray opens up about the coaching philosophy that has produced generations of NCAA champions, Olympians, and world record holders while sharing the lessons that have shaped him as both a coach and a person. From balancing the men's and women's teams at Indiana to creating i...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with four of the biggest names in swimming for a rapid-fire conversation about one question: How do elite athletes maximize every area of their lives? Joined by Kate Douglass, Alex Walsh, Patrick Sammon, and Quintin McCarty, this episode explores the habits, routines, and mindsets that extend far beyond the pool. From meditation and mental resilience to recovery, nutrition, skincare, social media, and race-day psychology, each athlet...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff is joined by special guest host Lilly King for a conversation with one of swimming's most unexpected breakout stars, Van Mathias, the American record holder in the 50-meter breaststroke and Indiana University's Director of Operations. Van's journey is anything but conventional. After stepping away from elite competition to begin his full-time career, he found himself drawn back to the pool with a completely different perspective. Now balancing...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with Devon Allen, one of the rare athletes to reach the highest level in two sports. A two-time Olympian in the 110-meter hurdles and former Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, Devon shares what it takes to pursue excellence across completely different competitive worlds. The conversation dives into Devon's unique journey from football standout to Olympic hurdler and back again. He reflects on the injuries that altered his path, the d...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with Rebecca Adlington, one of Great Britain’s most accomplished swimmers. A two-time Olympic gold medalist, former world record holder, broadcaster, entrepreneur, and mother of three, Becky reflects on the journey that took her from Olympic glory in Beijing to building a life and legacy beyond the pool. The conversation explores Becky’s unique relationship with swimming and competition. While many athletes thrive on race day, Becky ...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with one of the most decorated swimmers in American history, Allison Schmitt. A four-time Olympian, ten-time Olympic medalist, Olympic champion, former world record holder, and longtime advocate for mental health, Allison reflects on the lessons, challenges, and perspective she has gained throughout an extraordinary career. From the heartbreak of missing an Olympic final by one one-hundredth of a second in Beijing to becoming one of ...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with former New England Patriots captain and three-time Super Bowl champion Devin McCourty for a conversation about leadership, pressure, preparation, and life beyond football. After spending 13 seasons with one organization, Devin reflects on what it was really like playing under Bill Belichick, building a championship culture, and earning the trust of teammates in one of the most demanding environments in professional sports. He sh...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, we step outside the pool and into a powerful conversation with former WNBA player Sonia Chase, a true pioneer from the league’s early years. Sonia brings a unique perspective, having lived through the evolution of the WNBA from what she describes as survival mode to the strategy-driven era we see today. We dive into the league’s latest collective bargaining agreement, why it is such a major shift for women’s sports, and what it means for the next generat...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Unfiltered Waters, we sit down with Caeleb Dressel and Meghan Dressel at their home in Gainesville for one of their most honest conversations yet. What starts as a visit to the farm turns into a deep, unfiltered look at life beyond the pool. From raising two young kids to navigating identity, marriage, and the realities of elite sport, Caeleb and Meghan open up about the transitions that have shaped this next chapter of their lives. They talk about wh...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down with Daniel Wiffen, Ireland’s first male Olympic swimming medalist, fresh off a historic performance in Paris where he won gold in the 800 freestyle and bronze in the 1500. Daniel takes us inside the mindset behind his Olympic breakthrough, breaking down how detailed race analysis, data, and preparation gave him the confidence to execute on the biggest stage. He walks through the strategy behind his 800 freestyle win, what he was thi...

In this special Coaches Edition of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with three of the top minds in NCAA swimming, Todd DeSorbo (Virginia), Annie Lazor (Stanford), and Carol Capitani (Texas), before the NCAA Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships. Coming from the leaders of the first, second, and third place teams, this conversation goes beyond results and into the reality of coaching at the highest level. Each coach shares how they manage pressure during champio...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel bring you the men’s edition of “Squad Energy,” sitting down with some of the biggest names in NCAA swimming, Josh Liendo (Florida), Ilya Kharun (Arizona State), Thomas Heilman (Virginia), and Jack Aikins (Virginia), just before the NCAA Championships. From team traditions and pre-meet routines to trash talk, nerves, and what makes each program unique, this conversation dives into the mindset and culture behind some of the ...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with some of the biggest names in NCAA swimming, Claire Curzan (Virginia), Lucy Bell (Stanford), Alex Shackell (Indiana), Caroline Bricker (Stanford), Katie Grimes (Virginia), and Bella Sims (Michigan), for a conversation centered around one theme, trusting your gut. From navigating transfers and major life decisions to overcoming injuries, rebuilding confidence, and rediscovering their love for the sport, each at...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with four of the biggest names in NCAA swimming: Anna Moesch (Virginia), Torri Huske (Stanford), Jillian Cox (Texas), and Camille Spink (Tennessee) for a special “Squad Energy” edition filmed just days before the NCAA Championships. From pre-meet traditions and team speeches to accountability, leadership, and what truly makes a championship culture, each athlete shares what drives their team behind the scenes. You’...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff and Elizabeth Beisel break down the full Men’s NCAA Swimming & Diving Championship preview from poolside at Georgia Tech—covering team projections, key storylines, and the races that could decide the meet. With Texas projected to lead, the real battle heats up behind them as Florida, Arizona State, Indiana, and Cal fight for second in one of the deepest fields in recent memory. The duo dives into the impact of the B final format changes, re...

In this special solo episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff brings you a full NCAA Women’s Swimming Championship preview from the pool deck at Georgia Tech, breaking down team projections, top storylines, and the biggest changes heading into one of the fastest meets of the year. From UVA’s pursuit of a historic sixth title to the battle between Stanford, Texas, and Michigan, Katie dives into the athletes, races, and records that could define the meet. She also unpacks the controversial elim...

In this special “Fish Outta Water” edition of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with a group of elite swimmers to talk about something other than swimming. Recorded during the USA Swimming Pro Swim Series in Austin, this episode highlights the passions, hobbies, and talents that these athletes pursue outside the pool. From Carson Foster embracing life as a devoted dog dad, to Matt King designing and handcrafting luxury leather bags, Luke Hobson chasing trophy bass on the water, and Becca Man...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie Hoff sits down in Austin, Texas with legendary swim coach Bob Bowman — former U.S. Olympic Team Head Coach, head coach of Texas Men’s Swimming & Diving, and mentor to multiple Olympic champions and world record holders. Bob reflects on the past year of NCAA championships, coaching pros like Summer McIntosh and Leon Marchand, navigating NIL and roster limits in college swimming, and the evolving landscape of USA Swimming. He opens up about coachi...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with USA Swimming CEO Kevin Ring at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs to mark his first 100 days in the role and break down the future of USA Swimming. Kevin shares the organization’s newly approved mission, vision, values, and four key pillars, dives into the 2026 budget deficit and why increased national team investment and bringing Pan Pacs to the U.S. are strategic moves ahead of LA 2028, and explain...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Isabeau Levito, 2024 World silver medalist and 2023 U.S. National champion, for a candid conversation about expectations, confidence, and staying true to herself on the road to the Olympics. Isabeau reflects on the pressure of being “one of the expected spots,” the difference between skating because you get to versus because you have to, and how learning to s...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Emily Chan and Spencer Howe, two-time Four Continents silver medalists and one of Team USA’s Olympic pairs teams. Emily and Spencer reflect on the emotional roller coaster of nationals, bouncing back from a rough short program to secure their Olympic spot, and the injuries and setbacks that nearly derailed their journey. They open up about the power of routin...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Amber Glenn, three-time U.S. national champion and newly named Olympian. Amber reflects on the pressure of performing under expectation, the milliseconds that separate success from mistake, and what it really takes to adjust in real time when things don’t go as planned. She opens up about embracing nerves instead of fighting them, staying grounded through rhy...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Christina Carreira and Anthony Ponomarenko, ice dance partners who have navigated one of the most challenging and transformative seasons of their careers. Christina and Anthony reflect on the emotional toll of uncertainty, including Christina’s journey to U.S. citizenship, and what it took to stay grounded while chasing an Olympic dream that felt anything but...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Andrew Torgashev, U.S. Championships silver medalist and newly named Team USA member, fresh off one of the most emotional weeks of his career. Andrew reflects on the adrenaline crash after making the team, the quiet moments no one sees, and how he learned to manage nerves that followed him even off the ice. He opens up about visualization, grounding technique...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Ilia Malinin, reigning world champion and widely known as the “Quad God.” Ilia reflects on the mental and emotional cost of constantly pushing the ceiling of what’s possible, navigating expectations that come with redefining the sport, and why embracing imperfections has been essential to his growth. He opens up about fear, failure, and what people don’t see ...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Madison Chock and Evan Bates, world champions, Olympic medalists, and one of the longest-standing partnerships in the sport. Madison and Evan reflect on what it takes to stay great over multiple Olympic cycles, the willingness to evolve and reinvent themselves, and how navigating injury, doubt, and major career pivots ultimately reshaped their trajectory. The...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Emilea Zingas and Vadym Kolesnik, ice dance partners and 2026 Four Continents champions, fresh off a whirlwind stretch that changed their lives. Emilea and Vadym reflect on qualifying for the Olympics, the moment it finally felt real, and what it means to exhale after chasing a lifelong goal. They open up about partnership, trust, and why committing to mental...

In the next episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Max Naumov, U.S. national medalist, for an honest conversation about emotion, resilience, and the mental side of competition. Max reflects on performing under pressure, learning to sit with nerves instead of fighting them, and how embracing uncertainty has changed the way he approaches skating. He opens up about confidence, vulnerability, and why allowing him...

In the first episode of Meet Team USA Figure Skating (Frozen Waters), a special mini-series from Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Alysa Liu, a Beijing 2022 Olympian, World Champion, and the first woman to land a quad Lutz. Alysa reflects on stepping away from the sport at a young age, trusting her intuition, and returning with a renewed sense of creativity, connection, and purpose. She opens up about self-expression through skating, fashion, and choreography, the importance of saying n...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down in Austin, Texas during the USA Swimming Pro Swim Series with Olympic champions Katie Ledecky, Bobby Finke, Simone Manuel, Kieran Smith, and Jack Alexy to break down how elite athletes actually fuel training, competition, and recovery. From pre-practice meals and post-race nutrition to cooking habits, travel fueling, and lessons learned the hard way, this conversation offers practical, real-world insight for athletes at any level. Whether ...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down in Austin, Texas during the USA Swimming Pro Swim Series for a fast-paced, fun, and surprisingly insightful conversation with Gen Z athletes Regan Smith, Anna Peplowski, Claire Weinstein, Rylee Erisman, and Charlotte Crush. From slang like “sat,” “chopped,” and “aura farming” to trends, fashion, social media habits, and what actually defines Gen Z culture, this episode breaks down how the next generation of athletes think, talk, and show u...

In this episode of Unfiltered Waters, Katie sits down with Chari Hawkins, a Paris 2024 Olympian and U.S. heptathlon champion, for a powerful conversation about perseverance, identity, and belief in elite sport. Chari opens up about the long road to the Olympics, rebuilding confidence after setbacks, navigating mental health and pressure, separating self-worth from performance, and why being underestimated became one of her greatest strengths. ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite...

We spent the day at the University of Virginia and sat down with Katie Grimes for a conversation that felt especially meaningful. In this episode, Katie opens up about her transition from training as a high school athlete at Sandpipers to life at UVA, how dramatically her routine and independence changed, and why the team culture has been the steady anchor through it all. She reflects honestly on a challenging NCAA season, learning to separate her identity from performance, and trusting the p...

Heads up: You’re listening to a highlight compilation featuring clips from several Unfiltered Waters episodes. Audio will switch between episodes without an audio cue. To close out 2025, we pulled together the moments you loved most. This episode is a highlight reel of the conversations that resonated, surprised us, and stuck with this community. From coaching wisdom and Olympic perspective to honesty about pressure, growth, and life beyond sport. You’ll hear unforgettable moments fro...

Katie sits down with Jamie Anderson in New York City at the Team USA 100 Days Out Media Summit for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of the Winter Olympics. Jamie reflects on her journey as the most decorated snowboarder in Olympic history, what inspired her comeback after becoming a mom of two, and how watching the Paris Olympics and Simone Biles reignited something she thought might be done. She opens up about balancing motherhood and elite competition, traveling internationally with young ...

We spent an entire day inside the University of Virginia’s program and sat down with head coach Todd DeSorbo to understand what makes UVA one of the most dominant teams in NCAA history. In this episode, Todd talks through the culture he inherited and how it transformed into the five-time national championship standard it is today. He opens up about leading athletes across two teams, keeping training fresh, balancing chaos with structure, managing big personalities, navigating major NCAA chang...

For this Dynamic Duos episode, we sat down with sisters and Olympic medalists Gretchen and Alex Walsh to talk through the bond, the rivalry, and the daily life behind one of swimming’s most steady, consistent partnerships. We get into how their personalities balance each other, how they’ve learned to support one another on race day without adding pressure, and why their best moments in the sport have always come when they lean into who they are instead of trying to be anything else. They shar...

Reaching 100 episodes feels surreal, so we wanted to slow down, look back, and celebrate what this show has become. In this episode, we revisit the moments that made the biggest splash, the conversations that took us deeper than we expected, and the guests who surprised us, challenged us, and left a mark. We talk about the episodes that changed us, the behind-the-scenes stories nobody heard, and the emotional highlights from the first interview with Caeleb Dressel all the way through the most...

Katie sits down with Oksana Masters at Team USA’s 100 Days Out Summit in New York City for one of the most powerful conversations Unfiltered Waters has ever had. Oksana opens up about her journey from Ukrainian orphanages to becoming a seven-time Paralympian, the role rowing played in teaching her she could be an athlete, and how she’s balanced drive, identity, and belonging across four different sports. ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social me...

Katie Hoff and Missy Franklin put their friendship to the test in a “Who Knows Who Best?” challenge inspired by the Newlywed Game. From favorite coffee orders and post-meet meals to childhood idols, guilty pleasure snacks, and hidden talents—nothing is off-limits. The result? A hilarious, honest, and completely unfiltered look at two Olympic champions who know each other almost too well (but not quite). This one’s all laughs, callouts, and a few surprises. ----- Subscribe to the show on your ...

Four-time Olympian and Olympic champion Chad Le Clos sits down with Katie in Carmel ahead of World Cup Stop 1 to talk comeback from injury, the real story behind his rivalry era with Phelps, and how a brutal stretch around Tokyo pushed him to address mental health and rebuild purpose. He opens up about family, legacy, and a new project he’s launching beyond LA—plus some rapid-fire fun. ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media (https://linktr...

Olympic medalist and world-record holder Noè Ponti sits down with Katie in Carmel, Indiana ahead of World Cup Stop 1 to talk Paris (4th/5th and what he learned), the mental reset that set up his short-course world record in the 100 fly, and the rare “Grand Slam” of medaling across Olympics, Euros, and Worlds. He opens up about trusting his gut during a brief U.S. college stint (why he went home after a month), how he handles near-misses (“he won the race, I didn’t lose it”), and the simple wo...

Katie sits down in Carmel, Indiana with best friends and superstars Regan Smith & Kate Douglass to talk origin stories (rooming together at Junior Worlds in Indy), the chaos and comedy of last year’s World Cup travel, and why their friendship works even with their different personalities. They swap “trauma bonding” tales, hotel horror, heat, and a teammate’s mosquito nightmare—then jump to this year’s U.S. swing and what they’re excited to race. You’ll also hear how they actually support ...

Katie Hoff and Missy Franklin break down the sweeping NCAA changes hitting this season: B-finals removed from the night session (places 9–16 now score off prelims), only an A-final at night, a reshuffled order of events with diving integrated in shorter segments to keep energy high, and a new qualification model that blends auto-bids with descending time lists. They explain who pushed the proposal (CSCAA → NCAA oversight), why timing landed awkwardly after the season started, and what it mean...

Two-time Paralympic silver medalist and shark attack survivor Ali Truwit returns to Unfiltered Waters for an in-person sit-down in Nashville—fresh off premiering her Stronger Than You Think documentary. She opens up about competing in Paris while managing flashbacks from the underwater camera, the support system that carried her, and the nonprofit she’s built that’s already raised over $100K to fund prosthetics and water safety for girls. Ali also shares why she’s training to run the NYC Mara...

New USA Swimming CEO Kevin Ring joins Unfiltered Waters to share first impressions after Golden Goggles, why he sees this moment as a fresh start built on transparency and real vulnerability, and how he plans to support the full ecosystem—athletes, clubs, coaches—while “turning the page.” Priorities include removing barriers to water access and backing the whole athlete (performance, mental health, nutrition, medical) on the path to LA 2028. Ring also outlines a year-round storytelling push (...

Olympic gold medalist, American record holder, and world champion Simone Manuel returns to Unfiltered Waters for an in-person sit-down in Austin. She traces the climb back from overtraining and the breakthrough of dipping under 53 again with a 52 for the first time since 2019. We dig into what really happened at Worlds—the team illness that rattled camp, the timing of outside commentary—and what support swimmers need from USA Swimming. Simone opens up about the resources and next steps with B...

Australian icon Cate Campbell sits down with Katie for a candid conversation about clearing the Aussie–U.S. “banter” that went viral and why it was always about respect and rivalry pushing the sport forward. She lays out how a people-first culture beats results-at-all-costs—and how that shift transformed Australian swimming. ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media (https://linktr.ee/unfilteredwaters) for clips, bonus content, and updates th...

Katie heads to Austin, Texas to sit down with Olympic sprinter Gabby Thomas. She opens up about putting her health first, navigating expectations between global championships, and the daily systems—training, recovery, and mindset—that keep her explosive on the line, plus the honest realities of performing when the world is watching. ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media (https://linktr.ee/unfilteredwaters) for clips, bonus content, and up...

Katie and Missy sit down with 18-year-old Olympian and World medalist Claire Weinstein. She shares the rollercoaster of Worlds, from illness and tough event decisions to “trauma bonding” with teammates, plus racing her idol Katie Ledecky, overcoming imposter syndrome, her lucky Spiderman socks, and the story behind her Olympic tattoo. ----- DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-supp... ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social med...

Katie and Missy sit down with CrossFit Games athlete and Team Adidas athlete Sydney Wells. She opens up about the transition from collegiate track at Mizzou to the CrossFit floor, the mindset switch she calls “GUTS,” building confidence under pressure, and the daily systems that keep her leveling up—plus the honest realities behind chasing the Games. ----- Subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform, and follow us on social media (https://linktr.ee/unfilteredwaters) for clips, bon...

In this episode, Katie and Missy tackle listener questions on everything from handling off days and finding balance, to the highs and lows of life after swimming. They share laughs while building their dream relay teams, reflect on what they truly miss (and don’t miss) about the sport, and open up about identity, confidence, and life beyond the pool.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle-against-cancer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Subscribe a...

In this episode, Katie sits down with 2x Olympic gold medalist Bobby Finke. They discuss everything from battling illness at Worlds to late-night data dives, Bobby shares the lessons, mindset shifts, and team pride that kept him pushing forward. He opens up about criticism, training quirks, and the drive to put USA men back on top—plus a few laughs about four-city debates and sprinting through 4,000 meters.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emi...

In this episode, Katie and Missy reunite for a long-awaited World Championships recap, unpacking the highs, lows, and untold stories — from the Thailand training camp food poisoning to the “web shooters down” call for unity. They react to mid-meet criticism from swimming legends, celebrate standout performances from Katie Ledecky, Gretchen Walsh, and Jack Alexy, and share the behind-the-scenes moments that define Team USA’s grit, pride, and culture.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ht...

In this episode, Katie sits down with 3x Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Adam Peaty to talk about rebuilding after Paris, chasing greatness, and why “better than yesterday” drives everything he does. He shares lessons from stepping away, thoughts on the 50m in LA, and the bet that might land Kyle Chalmers’ signature on his leg.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle-against-cancer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Subscribe and watch full v...

Katie and Beisel are back with a World Champs preview that’s part swim talk, part storytime, and some fun. They break down the rookies to watch, the races that have them fired up, and what makes Summer McIntosh so unreal. Plus, wild monkey stories from Olympic camp, lessons from tough races, and a tribute to Lilly King’s epic career. It’s fun, unfiltered, and full of behind-the-scenes moments you don’t want to miss.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-suppo...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with Olympian and World Record Holder, Shaine Casas to talk resilience, reinvention, and rising to the moment. Shaine opens up about the challenges that shaped him from missing the Olympic team and facing public scrutiny, to rebuilding confidence under coach Bob Bowman. He shares how trust, tough love, and finding joy outside the pool helped reignite his passion and reach a new level of performance.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.g...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with Olympic bronze medalist Luke Hobson to talk confidence, comebacks, and chasing world records. Luke shares how scratching a final turned into the swim of his life, what it’s like to race on Team USA’s 4x200 relay, and why staying calm, even at the Olympics, is his secret edge.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle-against-cancer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Subscribe and watch full video episodes on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel dive into a fishbowl of unfiltered questions from 24-inch Subway sandwiches to rediscovering purpose after sport. Katie shares why she launched the podcast and her unexpected motivation to return to the pool, while Beisel reflects on confidence, leadership, and the challenge of letting go. Packed with team room memories, therapy insights, and one unforgettable hot dog.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle...

In this episode, Katie and Elizabeth sit down with Australian distance swimmer and world champion Lani Pallister. Lani opens up about the trials that changed everything - from post-race vomit and missed teams to overcoming an eating disorder and finding her stride with a new coach. She talks about leaving her mom’s program, learning to be relentless, and the mindset shift that unlocked the best swims of her life. -----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-em...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with Olympic gold medalist Kyle Chalmers to talk about his massive comeback, how cutting his training in half changed everything, and why this might be the best he’s ever felt. Kyle opens up about his tattoos, racing legends, becoming a dad, and what it really takes to stay on top - nearly a decade after shocking the world in Rio.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle-against-cancer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Subs...

In this live episode from the US Swimming National Championships in Indianapolis, Katie and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with Olympic greats Lilly King, Cullen Jones, Rowdy Gaines, and Cody Miller for a high-energy, heartfelt celebration of swimming. From Lily’s fearless Rio moment to Cullen’s near-drowning turned Olympic triumph, they share the stories that shaped their careers and the sport. Plus, some surprise moments that made the night truly special!-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https:...

In this episode, Katie and Elizabeth sit down with Red Bull cliff diver and Brave Gang founder Molly Carlson. Molly shares how missing the Olympics became the best thing that ever happened to her, how she turned fear into fuel, and why bravery—not perfection—is now her mission. She opens up about mental health, body image, the wild world of high diving, and how vulnerability helped her build a global movement.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-ba...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with Olympic head coach and NCAA champion Greg Meehan. They talk about the pressure of leading Team USA in Tokyo, the weight of unmet expectations, and the personal reset that followed. Greg opens up about what it takes to lead on the world stage, how he’s refocusing on the fundamentals, and why real change starts with accountability.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle-against-cancer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-----Subscr...

In this episode, Katie and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with Olympic silver medalist and world champion Bella Sims! They dive into the mindset shifts that helped her fall back in love with swimming, how she’s learned to embrace pressure, and the moment she almost stepped away from the sport. Bella opens up about burnout, mental resilience, and what it really takes to stay motivated at the highest level — even when things get hard.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-s...

In this episode, Katie sits down with world champion marathoner, former Wall Street trader, and relentless competitor Ken Rideout. They dive into the mindset that transformed him from an opioid addict to one of the fastest runners over 50 in the world. Ken shares the brutal lesson he learned after quitting a race, why the pain of giving up lasts a lifetime, and how he rebuilt his life from rock bottom. He opens up about the daily battle with self-doubt, his obsession with consistency, and the...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with Mrs. Walsh, proud mother of two Team USA stars, Alex and Gretchen Walsh! They dive into what it’s like raising two elite athletes under one roof, how she managed different parenting approaches for each daughter, and the emotional rollercoaster of watching them compete on the world’s biggest stages. She opens up about the lessons she brought from her own swimming career, and what it really takes to support high-performance kids without losing you...

In this episode, Katie and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with 12x Olympic medalist, 3x Olympic gold medalist, and American swimming icon Natalie Coughlin! They dive into the mindset that helped her become one of the most versatile swimmers in history, how pivoting beyond the pool challenged her in new ways, and the surreal moment when her wine earned international attention. Natalie opens up about building a second career from scratch, the leadership lessons she’s learned from USA Swimming govern...

In this episode, Katie and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with 4x Olympian, 6x Olympic gold medalist, current world record holder, and American swimming icon Ryan Lochte! They dive into the mindset shifts that helped him rise again after hitting rock bottom, how asking for help became a turning point, and the moment he realized swimming no longer defined who he was. Ryan opens up about the emotional toll of 2016, the comeback attempt in 2021, and why his greatest role isn’t in the pool, it’s bein...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel break down the current state of swimming. They discuss the House v. NCAA settlement, what revenue sharing and roster caps could mean for Olympic collegiate sports, and how NIL deals are changing the college landscape. They also talk about the future of NCAA swimming, how to make the sport more exciting for fans, and the benefits of athletes showing their personalities.-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: https://www.gofundme.com/f/4sdbz-support-emilys-battle-against-c...

In this episode, Katie and Elizabeth Beisel sit down with 3x Olympic gold medalist, 26x World Champion, 7x world record holder, and Hungarian swimming legend Katinka Hosszú! They dive into the mindset shifts that turned her into the “Iron Lady,” how learning to lose became her secret weapon, and the moment a fourth-place finish changed everything. Katinka opens up about the grind before Rio, why “balance” didn’t exist in her world, and the surprising truth about how it really feels ...

In this special live episode from the NCAA Swimming Championships in Federal Way, Washington, Katie and Beisel sit down with Todd DeSorbo, head coach of the University of Virginia women's swimming team, and 12-time Olympic medalist Ryan Lochte. They dive into Todd's journey to securing his fifth NCAA title and what inspired him to start coaching. Ryan shares a memorable story from 2006 when he competed without a warm-up, they discuss the differences between Olympic and NCAA ready rooms, and R...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with 5x Olympic gold medalist and freestyle sprinting legend, Nathan Adrian! They chat about his thoughts on the upcoming NCAA swimming championships and reminisce about his college days at UC Berkeley. Nathan also shares a hilarious story involving Alana Blanchard's trick for getting water out of your ear and opens up about his recent experience on the reality show "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test," including a memorable boxing match with form...

In this episode, Katie and Missy talk with rising swimming star Rex Maurer! They dive into his recent American record-breaking 500-yard freestyle performance, the story behind his blazing-fast prelim swims, and his decision to transfer from Stanford to the University of Texas. Rex also shares what it's like to have family members who truly understand the swimming grind and offers his best advice to young swimmers.-----DONATE TO GARY HALL JR: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gary-hall-jr-aft...

In this episode, Katie and Beisel sit down with Olympic gold medalist and rising American swimming star, Alex Shackell! They dive into her journey to Olympic gold just before starting her senior year of high school, the influence of her family's Olympic legacy—especially her dad's motto, "Once an Olympian, always an Olympian,"—and how she handles online rumors and feeling like the world is against her. Plus, Alex shares the story behind her viral dab that caught everyone's attention.-----DONA...

In this episode, Katie and Missy chat with Carol Capitani, head coach of the University of Texas Women’s Swimming and Diving team! They talk about the way to her heart, what it was like being named an Olympic assistant coach, and what it’s really like coaching at Texas. Plus, Carol shares her biggest green and red flags and her favorite word!-----DONATE TO GARY HALL JR: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gary-hall-jr-after-devastating-fire-----DONATE TO EMILY KLUEH: https://www.gofundme.com/f...

In this episode, Katie and Missy chat with Olympic gold medalist and Hungarian swimming star, Hubi Kós! They talk about the moment he realized he could win an Olympic gold medal, how his home country reacted to his big win, and the defining moment of his career. Plus, Hubi shares the movie he quotes the most, the biggest red flag about himself, and why training with Bob Bowman made the Olympics feel “easy.”-----DONATE TO GARY HALL JR: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gary-hall-jr-after-deva...

In this episode, Katie and Missy talk to 3x Olympic gold medalist and Canadian swimming sensation Summer McIntosh! They discuss Summer’s experience winning her first gold medals, why Budapest is one of her favorite pools in the world, what she does with the big checks, the unforgettable moment she touched the wall and found her mom, why laughing while swimming is impossible, and her favorite career moment.-----DONATE TO GARY HALL JR: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gary-hall-jr-after-devas...

In this episode, Katie and Missy talk to the legendary Sarah Sjöström! She has 6 Olympic medals, 25 Long Course World Championship medals, 11 Short Course World Championship medals, 122 Swimming World Cup medals, and 28 European Championship medals. They discuss being nervous, being kind to yourself, not wanting be known as a one-hit wonder, overcoming the “super suit,” and sooo much more.-----DONATE TO GARY HALL JR: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-gary-hall-jr-after-de...