The Grit Game is proud to announce that Natalie Hood, the company's director of education & network development, will officially host the "Talking Pools Podcast" every Wednesday.
Known for her bold communication style and passion for education, Hood is bringing a fresh voice to the industry by tackling myths head-on and sparking conversations that matter.
Each week, Hood will sit down with industry experts, competitive swimmers, aquatic professionals and real pool pros to uncover the truth behind common misconceptions in pool care, backyard builds and aquatic operations. From debunking outdated advice to spotlighting modern strategies that actually work, no myth is safe.
“I’m thrilled to bring The Grit Game’s energy and mission to the Talking Pools Podcast," says Hood. "This platform gives me the chance to elevate voices across the industry, challenge misinformation, and empower pool service techs, builders, entrepreneurs, competitive swimmers, and aquatic professionals alike with practical, reliable insights and provide free education while having a bit of fun.”
Listeners can expect:
- Unfiltered conversations with leading voices in the aquatics, pool, spa and backyard industries
- Myth-busting segments that replace confusion with clarity
- Actionable strategies for service techs, builders, inspectors, aquatics directors and staff
- Engaging stories that highlight both challenges and triumphs in aquatic care
Record-Breaking Momentum From Day One
The Wednesday episodes, now powered by The Grit Game, are generating extraordinary momentum and expanding the reach of the already-successful Talking Pools Podcast. Natalie’s first episode didn’t just land well — it ignited one of the strongest surges of listener engagement the podcast has ever seen.
For context, Talking Pools typically sees 150 to 300 downloads in a first week, with episodes continuing to climb past 1,000 as loyal listeners tune in over time.
Natalie’s numbers are rewriting that curve.
- Her second and third episodes passed 600 downloads within just a few days.
- Her debut episode accelerated the podcast’s trajectory even further — surpassing 3,000 downloads in its first seven days and earning a spot at No. 89 on Apple’s “Need to Know info” chart.
This milestone reflects both the podcast’s strong, loyal audience and the powerful momentum Natalie has added to the series.
Listeners aren’t just tuning in — they’re staying, sharing and coming back for more myth-busting, clarity-driven conversations each week. The result is a powerful blend of Talking Pools’ established authority and Natalie’s educational approach — a combination that’s creating new opportunities for reach, growth and impact across the industry.
The Talking Pools Podcast
The Talking Pools Podcast is a go-to source for everything wet, wild and wonderfully misunderstood in the pool world. Founded and led by Rudy Stankowitz, a respected educator, author and industry veteran, the show has become the No. 1 aquatics podcast by blending sharp technical insights with approachable, real-world conversations.
Now, with Natalie Hood hosting Wednesday episodes, the podcast expands its reach by combining Rudy’s legacy of industry leadership with Natalie’s expertise in education and instructional design, delivering episodes that are equal parts myth-busting, teaching and inspiring.
"We are beyond thrilled to have Natalie Hood of the Grit Game join the Talking Pools Podcast family," says Stankowitz. "Her expertise in certification, training, and aquatics education will undoubtedly enrich our listener experience. Wednesdays are about to be bussin’ across the airwaves, so wake up, grab your AirPods and lock in with Natalie Hood of the Grit Game on The Talking Pools Podcast.”
The Grit Game
The Grit Game is redefining what a rep agency can be. Recently named Pool Nation’s 2024 Sales Rep Group of the Year, the team combines high-performance sales with modern marketing, product education, digital content, dealer engagement, and brand-building. Representing some of the industry’s most respected manufacturers, The Grit Game has been recognized across multiple platforms for leadership, innovation, and its commitment to empowering pool pros.
Bringing this mission to life on the Talking Pools Podcast, Natalie Hood, director of education & network development, adds her expertise in instructional design and professional development to every conversation. As the driving force behind instructor communication, certification and education in the CPO program from 2012 through 2025, she helped shape how instructors nationwide connect, teach, and evolve with changing industry standards. With a background in building instructor schools, refining curriculum, and aligning training with industry expectations, Natalie ensures that each episode goes beyond myth-busting and is determined to deliver practical education that elevates both pool service techs and entrepreneurs as well as aquatic professionals.
Her approach blends clarity, engagement, and actionable insights, making the Wednesday episodes a powerful extension of The Grit Game’s commitment to education and industry growth.
“What I love about Talking Pools is the impact it has on pool pros who care about doing things the right way," says Laci Davis, The Grit Game's CEO. "Bringing Natalie into that space feels natural. She teaches with heart and gives pros the confidence that only comes from real understanding. When good information meets the right platform, the whole industry moves forward. That’s how you empower potential — by making growth accessible to everyone who wants it.”
Sponsorship Opportunities
Wednesday sponsorship opportunities are now open for the Talking Pools Podcast. This is your chance to showcase your company or products to a dedicated audience of pool pros, during these record breaking episodes, with annual category‑exclusive placements that ensure your brand stands out. For details, contact [email protected].
Stay Connected & Bust Myths With Natalie
To learn more about Natalie Hood's Wednesday takeover of the Talking Pools Podcast and to stay connected with the latest myth-busting conversations, tune in each week on your favorite podcast platform. You can tune into the Talking Pools Podcast on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, TuneIn, and Listen Notes.
The podcast encourages listeners, pool pros and aquatic professionals to submit topics of discussion or myths they’d like to see busted directly to host Natalie Hood at [email protected].
