STA Podcast

stapodcast

Welcome to the STA podcast, discussing all things swimming, lifesaving, first aid and leisure operations. Join the STA team and a special guest each episode to dive deeper into a specific area or topic within the wonderful world of leisure.

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22 episodes
fortnightly
Avg 36 min
English

Episodes 22

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S1 · E38
September 9 · 36 min
School Swimming with Education Durham
In this episode, Alex Barrett is joined by David Bullen from Durham Aquatics, who leads a successful and large school swimming programme across County Durham. With extensive experience delivering swimming lessons at scale, David shares valuable insights on driving standards, prioritising water safety, and how he prepares his teams for the September return to swimming lessons.
S1 · E37
August 5 · 34 min
Safeguarding Swim Schools
In this episode, Jodie is joined by Tim Rogers, one of the UK's leading authorities on safeguarding and the protection of children and adults at risk. A former Detective, Tim has conducted forensic safeguarding reviews for one of the world's largest faith organisations and now works as a consultant for the NSPCC. With extensive experience across safeguarding, child protection, and organisational risk management, Tim shares valuable insights on creating safer environments and strengthening safeguarding practices within swim schools and aquatic settings.
S1 · E36
July 22 · 31 min
Outswimming Cancer
Zoe is joined by Leslie and Sarah from Outswimming Cancer to discuss how the power of swimming can bring people together following a cancer diagnosis.
S1 · E35
July 8 · 34 min
Exploring the New STA Swimming Teacher Qualification with Abbey Ratchford
In this episode, Kayle sits down with Abbey Ratchford, an experienced STA tutor and ATC Co-ordinator from Swim Teacher Training Academy, to explore the new STA Swimming Teacher qualification.
S1 · E34
June 24 · 34 min
Importance of Water Safety
Alex Barrett, STA’s Head of Aquatics, sits down with Leon Fryer from Swimyourswim to spread awareness of water safety and explore how teachers can keep learners safe in the water.
S1 · E33
June 12 · 37 min
Meet Alex: A Conversation with STA’s New Head of Aquatics
In this episode, we sit down with Alex Barrett, STA’s new Head of Aquatics, for an introductory conversation to help you get to know him and his role within the organisation.
S1 · E32
May 13 · 30 min
Making a Splash with Baby Swimming
In this episode, Jodie Davis and Emma explore the importance of play, a child’s swimming journey, and how early experiences in the pool support development and confidence in the water.
S1 · E31
April 29 · 11 min
The Role of Digital Tools in Modern Swimming Teaching
In this episode, STA’s Zoe Cooper is joined by Amelia Jordan from CoursePro to explore how digital tools are transforming swimming teaching, improving the learner experience and supporting swim schools in their day-to-day delivery.
S1 · E30
April 22 · 36 min
Autism Swim - Exploring Flexible Thinking
Kayle is joined once again by Antoinette Spear from Autism Swim, exploring flexible thinking, what this means and how we can use this approach to support inclusive teaching.
S1 · E29
April 2 · 28 min
Importance of Cultural Competence
In this episode, STA's Director of Education, Kayle Brightwell, is joined by Melona Headley from Bold Waters, discussing what is cultural competency and raising awareness on the importance for all.
S1 · E28
March 18 · 54 min
10 Years: Turning the Clock Back
Join STA’s Water Safety Ambassador, Mike Goody, as he sits down with a very special guest and longtime friend, Dave Candler, STA’s CEO. Both celebrating ten years with STA, Mike and Dave skip the formal interview and just have a chat about what matters most: swimming, water safety, and why this work still inspires them every day.
S1 · E27
March 5 · 26 min
Where a Career in Leisure Can Take You
For this week’s podcast, in celebration of National Careers Week, the Qualification Development Team are talking about where a career in leisure can take you, and where their own journeys have led them.
S1 · E26
February 24 · 22 min
Andrew Simpson Foundation
Zoe joins Lauren and Josh from the Andrew Simpson Foundation to discuss the charities' mission and the development of Swim Free, a programme which delivers free swimming lessons to children and young people from naval families.
S1 · E25
February 4 · 26 min
10 Years with Mike Goody
STA legend Mike Goody sits down and reflects on the past 10 years of being an STA ambassador.
S1 · E24
January 21 · 53 min
Bigwave Growth
In this podcast, Jodie Davis is joined by Nick Masson from Bigwave Growth to discuss the benefits of their free remote Swim School Assessment and how organisations can grow their business. For more information, please contact Nick Masson at nickmasson@bigwavegrowth.co.uk or call on 07590564009.
S1 · E23
January 7 · 24 min
In partnership with UK Active
In this podcast, STA's own Zoe is joined by Tim Mathias, Strategic Lead of Inclusion at UK Active, where they both shine a spotlight on the strategic partnership between the two organisations and what it means to STA members.
S1 · E22
Dec 10, 2025 · 1 hr
The Importance of Rotation in Swimming
Joining us on the podcast is Sarah Cox from the Halliwick Association of Swimming Therapy, discussing the importance of rotation in swimming, why is it important to learn rotation early in the swimming journey and tips on how teachers can develop this within their lessons.
S1 · E21
Nov 19, 2025 · 17 min
Digital Awards
In this episode, STA's Director of Digital Services, Brett Preston, and Lorna Crust from Aqua Kids talk about the Digital Awards system; its benefits and why more and more swim schools are joining.
S1 · E20
Nov 5, 2025 · 24 min
10 Years of Swim Star: A Journey with Aquarius Swim School
In this special episode, we celebrate 10 years of the Swim Star Swim School programme. Zoe speaks with Lisa Bousted from Aquarius Swim School, who was among the first to join the programme. Lisa will be discussing their journey; the importance of the Swim Star status; and the impact the Swim Star programme has had on their business. Become a Swim Star Swim School today!
S1 · E19
Oct 22, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
How to Make the Most of Your Insurance
Speakers: Sam Green & Kayle Brightwell Insurance can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, we sit down with Sam Green, Director of Swim Sure Insurance, to break down everything from swim school insurance to public liability. Learn how to understand your policy and use it effectively to protect your business.

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