Listener sentiment
Unfiltered Waters has earned overwhelming listener enthusiasm, with the vast majority of recent reviews praising the warmth and authenticity of hosts Katie Hoff and Missy Franklin. Listeners consistently highlight the podcast's strength in creating intimate, vulnerable conversations with elite athletes and its thoughtful exploration of mental health in sports—a refreshing departure from typical athlete interviews. The show resonates especially strongly with the competitive swimming community, from current collegiate swimmers to retired athletes, who appreciate the relatability and humor the hosts bring to their guests.
A small number of early critics raised concerns about execution: one reviewer felt the interviewing lacked sufficient context and background explanations for listeners outside the elite swimming world, making some references inaccessible to average swimmers; another noted repetition in guest selection (particularly multiple appearances by high-profile names from UVA and Texas); and a couple of early listeners found the hosts' tone or on-air personalities (giggling, casual editing) less than professional. However, these concerns have largely disappeared in more recent reviews, suggesting the show has either addressed them or found its confident footing. Overall, the podcast is functioning as intended for its core audience—a genuine, accessible hub for the swimming community.
Apple4.7 · 43
Summary generated May 28, 2026
