The Secret to Josh Matheny's Breaststroke (And Why He Breathes Like That!) | Episode 302
6/12/20261 hr
Is Josh Matheny the happiest guy in professional swimming? We caught up with the rising USA breaststroke star after meeting him at the Beyond the Blocks Clinic in Ohio, and he did not disappoint! In this episode of the Social Kick, Josh discusses his unique breaststroke technique—specifically answering the question everyone asks: Why does he open his mouth so wide when he breathes? Josh also opens up about his training philosophy at Indiana University, how he manages the brutal 200m Breaststroke, and the mental battles of breaking through times when you're stuck on a plateau. We also get into some hilarious stories, including his absolute nightmare Halloween set (400 IM, 500 Free, and Butterfly?), getting chewed out for almost missing a final at the Sacramento Pro Swim Series, and the rigid unwritten rules of "Social Kicking" at IU. Plus, we put him in the hot seat during our Rapid Fire segment! Whether you're a breaststroker trying to figure out your race strategy or just a fan of elite swimming, Josh is one of the most grounded and insightful athletes in the sport.
Clips
Transcript preview
First 90 secondsBrian Lundquist· Host0:00
So we got to meet Josh Matheny at the Ohio clinic that John and I just went to, and he is just the happiest guy.
Luke Paddington· Host0:07
But also he's grounded. He talks about his challenges. He's wise. He is really, really down to earth. Really enjoyed our conversation.
John Mullen· Host0:15
Yeah, we talked about his training, his biomechanics, his mindset, and most importantly, how he gets more oxygen than everyone else when he swims breaststroke- [gasps] ... with his massive gasp.
Brian Lundquist· Host0:25
[water splashing] Welcome to Social Kick. I'm Brian Lundquist. We got the full crew: Dr. John Mullen, Luke Paddington, and joining us for the first time, and friend of, of recently at the Ohio clinic, Josh Matheny. What's up, Josh? How are you, man?
Josh Matheny· Guest0:40
Hey, thank you so much for having me. I've, I've seen quite a few of the, these podcasts and I've, I've, I've always wanted to be a part of it, so I'm excited- Nice ... to be here.
Brian Lundquist· Host0:47
Oh, thanks man. No, I appreciate that. We're stoked to get a chance to chat with you. Before we even get into our audience questions, I need to know about this, uh, Chili Peppers poster behind you.
Josh Matheny· Guest0:54
Hmm.
Brian Lundquist· Host0:54
What's your favorite Chili Peppers song?
Josh Matheny· Guest0:56
Um, maybe it's a little generic, but Otherside. Uh, just, I don't know. I think I kinda got into the band when I was like in seventh or eighth grade. My, um, my sister's friends kinda really liked it, and so they'd play it, like, whenever we'd drive to or from practice. And I, that's kinda when I kinda started to listen to them, and I just kinda started from there of like- That's great ... you know, I, I like this.
Brian Lundquist· Host1:19
[laughs] It's one of my favorite, uh, Spotify radios to play.
Josh Matheny· Guest1:24
Mm-hmm.
Brian Lundquist· Host1:24
I love picking a band that I like and then playing that band's radio. So- Yeah ... and Chili Peppers