SwimSwam Podcast: Who is Coleman Hodges and How’d He Get a Job at SwimSwam?

On SwimSwam Podcast, we’re giving you an in-depth listen at all things swimming. Host Coleman Hodges welcomes guests and guest co-hosts alike to get perspective on our ever-changing swimming universe and break down the past, present, and future of aquatic sports.

We sat down with me, Coleman Hodges, to tell you a little about who I am, why I got into swimming, and how I ended up at SwimSwam producing a lot of its media, including the SwimSwam Podcast and Practice + Pancakes. In short, from my perspective at least, I made myself be reliable and consistent with my work and always embraced new opportunities. I think it helped that I was a total swim geek too.

Music: Otis McDonald
www.otismacmusic.com

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Jason Zajonc
3 years ago

Love this site…thanks to all of you that make it fun and interesting to read about swimming….mel and the team are legit….

Adam
3 years ago

My only question is: Have you been using your new Indo board?

Daniel Smith
3 years ago

Mel and Coleman: good interview! After hearing this, seeing what Coleman has produced, and talking with both Mel and Rowdy at ’16 Trials (Mel, we may owe you a coffee!), I can say I really apppreicate what you all do for the sport. Rowdy was talking about 1AM production meetings(!), and he’d be back looking like his usual super-enthusiastic self the next morning. It is not easy, but rest assured we all aprpeciate what you do and the reasons you do it.

Todd Kramer
3 years ago

COLEMAN!!!

First, love the hair, but you knew that already. Since I chopped all of mine off after having to go to the mullet for a couple of days I haven’t been able to bring myself to grow it all out again. And now I have a sunburned scalp thanks to that decision.

Second, it is not surprising to me at all to hear your thoughtfulness about recognizing the human first and athlete second. That’s a big part of why you are so awesome!

Third, I hope to see you soon after we eventually get on the other side of this pandemic and get some awesome food together, we did find a great restaurant in Dallas at ASCA… Read more »

Frank
3 years ago

The worst

eagleswim
3 years ago

comment image

swimfan210_
3 years ago

I absolutely LOVED the interview! Thanks for sharing what working at Swimswam is actually like. But…I’ve got to know about the pancakes. Has Coleman always loved pancakes, or when did he start really getting obsessed with pancakes? How often does he eat pancakes? What inspired him to incorporate pancakes into his Swimswam content?

Reply to  swimfan210_
3 years ago

There so many mashup shows — like Comedians in Cars Drinking Coffee… I came up with Practice + Pancakes awhile back. Practice + breakfast food made sense. When Coleman heard it, he was allover it. I think it works because Coleman is also a foodie. Traveling with him is great. He really does find the best places for the best prices in whatever cites we drop into….. He’s also a great cook. He brings lunch to the office and I tried to steal bites when he’s not looking… My favorite is, and this sound weird, but it’s this avocado dessert (or snack) he makes with avocados and coconut. It’s awesome.

Sun's Syringe
Reply to  Gold Medal Mel Stewart
3 years ago

Just saying, it would be great to see an international spin-off version of practice and pancakes. Maybe even call it workout and waffles….

Butterflier
3 years ago

Swimswam, lets get Coleman some official SwimSwam apparel or nicer clothes to wear for his interviews.The ragged t-shirts are a bit of a detriment to the otherwise amazing content.

swimapologist
Reply to  Butterflier
3 years ago

There used to be a similar show on another swimming website, where the host wore a suit every day. The rumor is that an old woman at the host’s pool kept telling him that she liked suits, so he acquiesced.

For the younger generation, it was cringe. The show itself was excruciating to watch most of the time.

I think maybe SwimSwam’s main demographic, which skews younger than 40, doesn’t mind Coleman’s vibe as much as an older demographic might.

Butterflier
Reply to  swimapologist
3 years ago

I agree with you that the younger demographic doesn’t care so much. I wasn’t implying to wear a suit or jacket and would agree that doing so would be over the top. I’m mid 30s and just feel a business casual shirt would help with the overall presentation. If you are seeking to continually improve the overall product its just a suggestion. it’s wasn’t said to upset anyone.

Reply to  Butterflier
3 years ago

…I’m a live and let live person, and dress is a personal expression. I dress the way I do bc I think it’s age appropriate… Coleman is certainly more in our main demo age-wise…. but we do have a lot of 30ish and older viewers, and we strive to reach them. They’re coaches, swammers and swim-parents. The sport, in many ways, stands on their shoulders. We’re mindful of that.

Horninco
Reply to  Gold Medal Mel Stewart
3 years ago

You gotta do you. As a matter of reference, I see lots of guys in their late 20’s and 30’s rocking sweet business casual blazers and suits. I don’t think CH should be doing that, just want to dispel the myth that the “younger” generation doesn’t know how to dress up. I never wore a suit/sport coat until I was in my early 40’s, now I wear one 2-3 times a week (teach HS) and I both get compliments from people young and old, and feel better about how I look. But as you said, it’s personal expression. And we’re doing swimming here, not stocks.

About Coleman Hodges

Coleman Hodges

Coleman started his journey in the water at age 1, and although he actually has no memory of that, something must have stuck. A Missouri native, he joined the Columbia Swim Club at age 9, where he is still remembered for his stylish dragon swim trunks. After giving up on …

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