The Josh Bey "Barracuda" Mentality: From Freshman Struggles to NCAA SilverJosh Bey | Episode 293

The Josh Bey "Barracuda" Mentality: From Freshman Struggles to NCAA SilverJosh Bey | Episode 293

From Social Kick • Swim Culture & Stories by Social Kick

April 24, 2026 · 1h 1m · Episode 293

About this episode

Josh Bey discusses his journey as a freshman swimmer at Indiana University, including his mental challenges and breakthroughs in performance.

In this episode of Social Kick, Bryan Lundquist and Dr. John Mullen sit down with Indiana University’s breakout freshman sensation, Josh Bey. After a monster first year that saw him drop 5 seconds in his 200 breaststroke to become the #8 all-time performer (1:48.9) and win the Big 10 title in the 400 IM, Josh pulls back the curtain on the mental and physical grind of elite college swimming. Josh opens up about his "cannon event"—a heart-to-heart meeting in December that saved his season—and how he moved past crippling superstitions to finally trust his gut. We dive deep into the IU breaststroke culture, the technical "pause" trick that changed his turns, and why he responds best when coaches get in his face.

People in this episode

Hosts: Bryan Lundquist, Dr. John Mullen

Guest: Josh Bey

Topics covered

  • college swimming
  • mental health
  • athlete performance
  • breaststroke technique
  • superstitions in sports

Keywords

  • Josh Bey
  • NCAA swimming
  • 200 breaststroke
  • 400 IM
  • Big 10
  • swimming technique
  • athlete mindset

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Indiana University

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