Heavy Or Not – The O.G. Swim Guide, Episode #31

https://HON.LAP.red

“You can prepare for the work, but you can’t always predict the weather.”

In this episode of Heavy Or Not, we explore the real-world parallels between weathering literal storms and facing the emotional and professional trials coaches endure over time. Coaches Jim Lutz and Barry Healy share hard-won lessons from the deck and beyond.

• Jim Lutz: Coach, author, and Arizona sunshine philosopher

• Barry Healy: Veteran Canadian coach and lifelong mentor

• Special reference: Dr. John Hogg, sport psychologist and author

• Legacy lens: Insights from Cecil Colwin, author and coach

1. Navigating Life’s Storms

Jim Lutz opens with a sunlit reflection—literally. While others face dark skies and sleet, he frames life’s changing circumstances through the lens of perspective. “The storm is the same for everyone,” he says, “but the way you show up in it… that’s what coaching is.”

2. The Role of Mentorship

Barry Healy dives into how mentorship shaped his decades in the pool and the classroom. His admiration for Dr. John Hogg—especially Hogg’s calm and clarity under pressure—anchors a wider conversation on coach development.

3. Team Culture Is Built, Not Inherited

Both coaches emphasize culture as an intentional, daily act. Whether it's a handshake after practice or informal “fireplace sessions” like those hosted by Cecil Colwin, the rituals matter more than the rules.

4. Mental Health, Balance, and Coaching Today

Today’s coaches are stretched thin. The emotional weight of leading young athletes, managing expectations, and staying grounded is greater than ever. This episode doesn’t shy away from that truth—but it offers hopeful, practical encouragement.

5. The Next Generation Deserves Our Best

Jim and Barry both express a shared purpose: helping the next wave of coaches find clarity sooner. “You don’t have to suffer to be good,” says Barry. “You need guidance, not just grind.”

Check out the companion book and course:
Mental Skills for Young Athletes by Dr. John Hogg
https://Read.SwimISCA.org/why/mental-skills-for-young-athletes/

Whether you’re coaching a national team or leading a youth rec league, this conversation will speak to the heart of why you do what you do. It’s about mentorship. It’s about resilience. And it’s about the big picture—beyond medals and swim times.

Subscribe at https://HON.LAP.red and be part of the growing Heavy Or Not coaching and sports-minded community.

• More episodes: https://WAFSU.org

• ISCA Membership: https://Read.SwimISCA.org

• Send your mascot pics: https://YOUCANswim.wetransfer.com

In this episode of the podcast, Heavy Or Not, we kick off with friend and O.G., Wayne Goldsmith. His rant delves into the unsettling mark of young champions at the age of 8 and 9. His podcast is called, Sports Thoughts.

Then we pivot to talk about two successful college sports programs that have been abruptly cut. Oh no! Cal Polly Swimming, Men & Women's Teams, plus Grand Canyon University Men's Volleyball suffered unexpected and unexplainable cuts.

Heavy topics. Abrupt losses. Heartbreaks.

Links:

• https://waynegoldsmith.substack.com/
• https://Substack.com/@rauterkus
• https://HON.LAP.red
• https://Go.LAP.red

Full team and coaches role play activities in 10 scenes that progress in a full-blown story.

• Heavy Or Not – The O.G. Swim Guide | Episode 29

• A peek inside Dr. John Hogg’s Mental Skills for Young Athletes - course and ebooks

Take the time and boost performance, focus, and confidence in your athletes.

This episode of Heavy Or Not dives into the often overlooked but game-changing world of mental skills training.

We explore the groundbreaking work of Dr. John M. Hogg and the “Script and Screenplay” eBook, where athletes develop self-awareness, goal-setting, and emotional control — all through imaginative role-playing and practical exercises. It's more than theory — it's a coachable, learnable system that integrates seamlessly into physical training that teams can deploy.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why mental skills are the missing piece in many training programs

• How to use structured role-play to teach self-awareness and motivation

• Practical tools for goal setting, relaxation, and energizing techniques

• Ways to help young athletes turn mindset into their competitive advantage

Explore the Mental Skills full LMS course:
https://Read.SwimISCA.org/why/mental-skills-for-young-athletes/

Whether you coach swimmers, water polo teams, or any competitive youth athletes, this approach gives you tools to support the whole athlete—body and mind.

Buy the Script & Screenplay book. https://sowl.co/p/jwaLm