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

• Announcing Monthly CYA Calls to stay protected and informed – sign up at LAP.red and subscribe to the Substack.com/@rauterkus.

1. Where to find a great resource on how to build a winning swim team culture rooted in character and shared responsibility.

2. Where to jump start conversations that at every coach and organization should know about insurance, liability, and proactive planning.

• This episode features practical takeaways drawn from the book The Coach’s Starter Guide by Swim Smart, now available:
  The Swim Coach's Starter Guide – Swim Smart

Whether you're a head coach, assistant, administrator, or parent volunteer, this conversation gives you a framework for strengthening your team—both in spirit and in structure.

• How team culture impacts performance – and why character development often outperforms just chasing results

• The role of clear expectations and communication between coaches, swimmers, and parents

• Why monthly insurance conversations matter, especially in today’s shifting legal and volunteer landscape

• Tips for preventing the “satisfaction of search” so your team doesn’t stagnate after early wins

• A compelling look at genetics, coaching, and what really drives long-term success

“One person’s success is everyone’s joy. One person’s failure is everyone’s fault.”
This mantra shifts teams away from blame and toward shared accountability.

If you're a coach or volunteer, protecting yourself and your team starts with staying informed. Join our free monthly CYA (Cover Your Assets) calls to talk insurance, risk, and strategy with peers and experts.
📍 Sign up now at LAP.red

Catch the full episode on your favorite podcast platform or watch the video version on YouTube.
Whether you're in the office, on deck, or in the car—this one’s worth a listen.

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with a colleague who needs to hear this.