STA Podcast
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.
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.
Episodes

Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
11 min
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.
Apr 29, 2026
11 min

Apr 22, 2026
Autism Swim - Exploring Flexible Thinking
Apr 22, 2026
Apr 22, 2026
36 min
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.
Apr 22, 2026
36 min

Apr 2, 2026
Importance of Cultural Competence
Apr 2, 2026
Apr 2, 2026
28 min
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.
Apr 2, 2026
28 min

Mar 18, 2026
10 Years: Turning the Clock Back
Mar 18, 2026
Mar 18, 2026
54 min
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.
Mar 18, 2026
54 min

Mar 5, 2026
Where a Career in Leisure Can Take You
Mar 5, 2026
Mar 5, 2026
26 min
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.
Mar 5, 2026
26 min

Feb 24, 2026
Andrew Simpson Foundation
Feb 24, 2026
Feb 24, 2026
22 min
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.
Feb 24, 2026
22 min

Feb 4, 2026
10 Years with Mike Goody
Feb 4, 2026
Feb 4, 2026
26 min
STA legend Mike Goody sits down and reflects on the past 10 years of being an STA ambassador.
Feb 4, 2026
26 min

Jan 21, 2026
Bigwave Growth
Jan 21, 2026
Jan 21, 2026
53 min
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.
Jan 21, 2026
53 min

Jan 7, 2026
In partnership with UK Active
Jan 7, 2026
Jan 7, 2026
24 min
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.
Jan 7, 2026
24 min

Dec 10, 2025
The Importance of Rotation in Swimming
Dec 10, 2025
Dec 10, 2025
1 hr 29 sec
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.
Dec 10, 2025
1 hr 29 sec



