Isabelle Stadden: UVA Reset, Breaking a 5-Year Plateau & The "Traumatic" Murphy Sets | Ep. 290

Isabelle Stadden: UVA Reset, Breaking a 5-Year Plateau & The "Traumatic" Murphy Sets | Ep. 290

Author: Social Kick March 23, 2026 Duration: 58:34
What happens when a top-tier athlete hits a plateau after five years in the same environment? Isabelle Stadden joins the crew to discuss her "reset" move from Cal to the University of Virginia. After nearly walking away from the sport last summer, Isabelle is back and faster than ever, dropping a massive 2:05 200 Backstroke at Westmont. We dive deep into the differences between the Dave Durden and Todd DeSorbo training styles, the "trauma" of training with Ryan Murphy at altitude, and why she’s suddenly swimming with the endurance of her high school self. From specific caffeine protocols to the psychology of "Social Kick," this is a masterclass in elite athlete longevity.

Dive into the water without getting your ears wet. Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories is a space where the rhythm of the pool and the open water sets the pace for every conversation. Created by the community at Social Kick, this podcast moves beyond lap times and technique to explore the unique world that swimmers inhabit. Each episode features genuine discussions with people whose lives are deeply intertwined with swimming-from dedicated competitors and coaches to artists, scientists, and everyday enthusiasts who find their clarity in the water. You’ll hear personal stories of triumph and challenge, unexpected insights into how swimming shapes identity and community, and casual reflections on the quiet humor and profound peace found in a daily routine. It’s an authentic listen that captures the shared language and unspoken bonds of swim culture, offering a sense of connection for anyone who has ever felt most themselves while gliding through a lane or gazing at a horizon line from the beach. Tune in for a regular dose of perspective, camaraderie, and the simple, fun reminder of why we return to the water, again and again.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories
Podcast Episodes
He Ripped 3 Tech Suits Before His Olympic Semifinal (Absolute Chaos) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:41
🛒 Elsmore Swim Shop — ElsmoreSwim.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off 👕 Tall Slim Tees — TallSlimTees.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off Support the Podcast: https://socialkickswim.com/shop Chris Guiliano returns to Social…
How a PanPac Champion Bounced Back From a Concussion to Win Nationals [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:02
🛒 Elsmore Swim Shop — ElsmoreSwim.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off 👕 Tall Slim Tees — TallSlimTees.com | Code SOCIALKICK for 20% off Support the Podcast: https://socialkickswim.com/shop PanPac champion McKenzie Siroky j…
Rowan Cox: Breaking NAG Records & Training at Texas | Episode 312 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:21
Episode 312 of The Social Kick Podcast features rising swimming sensation Rowan Cox! Fresh off an incredible performance at US Nationals where he dropped two seconds in the 100 fly to clock a blistering 50.6—finishing th…
Chad le Clos’s Epic Swimming Career | Social Kick Ep. 311 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:36
Episode 311 of The Social Kick Podcast features swimming icon and legend Chad le Clos. Fresh off an incredible performance at the Commonwealth Games—where he made history by becoming the most decorated athlete in the gam…