Sirens at night, blocks at dawn—this conversation follows Che'Rel, a 26-year-old police officer and lifelong swimmer from Trinidad and Tobago, as she threads two demanding worlds into one life of discipline and joy. We meet her on deck at Nova Masters in Richmond, fresh off a night shift, and explore how race-pace sets, team culture, and a stubborn sprinter’s mindset help her keep purpose front and center.

Che'Rel walks us through the pivot from childhood education to policing, the reality of 6 p.m.–6 a.m. patrols on a busy corridor, and the mental gymnastics required to slide from high-stress calls into focused training. She traces her swim roots from a Caribbean school activity day to national teams and then to Hunter College, where the “individual sport” suddenly turned into a team mission. That shift unlocked leadership—rallying teammates before races, chasing championships, and learning how shared effort changes your ceiling. We also get into favorite and best events, from a love of breaststroke to the love-hate pain of the 100 fly, and why short, high-quality sets often beat long, unfocused yards for busy athletes.

There’s a quiet heroism in her comeback story: a twisted ankle during the police academy that could have set her back to square one. Instead, swimming fitness and mindset carried her through to graduation. She offers a grounded look at early patrol experiences, including a tense de-escalation with a drowsy driver, and the satisfaction of staying calm under pressure. Along the way, Coach Mark Kutz’s mantra—“chump or champ today?”—becomes a compass for both the pool and the street. If you’re balancing shift work, training goals, or just looking for motivation to show up, this story is a blueprint for resilience, community, and race-ready focus.

If this episode inspires you, follow the show, share it with a teammate who needs a push, and leave a quick review—tell us your favorite tough set and why it matters to you.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

Sleep is the most powerful legal performance enhancer you’re not fully using yet. We brought in Derek Hales, founder of NapLab and one of the most trusted voices in mattress testing, to strip away hype and show how smarter choices at night translate to stronger training, faster recovery, and better moods.

We dig into the single biggest mattress mistake—price extremes—and map the sweet spot where quality and longevity meet: a queen in the $1,500–$2,000 range. Derek explains why most athletes thrive on a medium to medium-firm hybrid for balanced pressure relief, spine alignment, and airflow, and when memory foam’s contouring or latex’s buoyant feel makes sense. Sensitive to smell? We break down off-gassing, VOCs, and why natural latex still carries a rubber odor even if it’s less concerning than polyurethane foam.

If you run hot, you’ll appreciate our deep dive on cooling—what truly works, what’s marketing, and how to build a cooler sleep system from the mattress up. We compare active cooling options like Eight Sleep, ChiliPad, and BedJet, weighing performance, noise, and cost so you invest wisely. Beyond gear, we focus on habits that move the needle: ideal room temps in the high 60s, blackout and fans for stubborn climates, consistent bedtimes, device-free wind-downs, and 5-minute mindfulness to quiet the mental to-do loop. Derek also shares intriguing evidence around Celliant fabrics for circulation and recovery, plus practical strategies for couples—from twin XL splits to separate rooms—so both partners get deep, uninterrupted rest.

Whether you’re a masters swimmer or a wellness-driven listener, expect clear, actionable guidance to turn sleep into your competitive edge. If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a teammate who trains early, and leave a quick review—your support helps more athletes find the recovery they deserve.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com

26 year-old Bryanna Lacey is fresh off a Masters Meet High Point win and a year into a bold return to the sport she left behind seven years ago after an excellent college swimming career. We sit with her on the tiles at Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center to unpack what it takes to walk on, walk away, and walk back stronger.

Bryanna started late, carved out high school records, and earned her place at the University of Indianapolis by promising nothing but relentless effort. She battled through a rib injury to post best times and earn a team perseverance award, then stepped away for seven years while life moved—Virginia, Hawaii, and the intensity of medical school. The spark came back when she missed structure, competition, and the friends who make the grind worthwhile. Now she’s a third-year med student rotating in pediatrics, a masters distance swimmer chasing her college marks, and an open water age-group national champion with a 500 free that’s flirting with her old pace.

We dig into the training that makes this possible: 4:20 a.m. alarms to medicate her epileptic dog, 5:30 practices, hospital shifts by 8, weekend doubles, open water miles, and the distance staples she loves—21x100s and 18x200s, often pulling to build rhythm and strength. She talks about balancing ambition with joy, using community as a performance tool, and why masters swimming turns structure into freedom. There’s room for the human details too—admiration for Katie Ledecky’s mindset and a home “Bree’s Bakery” where sourdough teaches patience and process.

If you’re navigating a demanding career, plotting a comeback, or searching for a team that lifts you higher, you’ll find a playbook here: set a steady routine, choose a supportive lane, and chase progress without losing the fun. Enjoy the story, share it with a teammate who needs a nudge, and subscribe for more candid conversations from the pool deck.

Email us at HELLO@ChampionsMojo.com. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

You can learn more about the Host and Founder of Champions Mojo at www.KellyPalace.com