Just as a current impacts the effort a swimmer must make, so too does the research atmosphere in a community or conference affect research output.  In this talk, I will discuss various examples of this, both long-standing programs of others, and many examples that I have experienced or witnessed.  In particular, I will discuss different branches of my research program and how their development was impacted by the atmosphere in conferences, seminars, and research communities. I also discuss what I have learned from times when my actions have created counter currents for others.

Content note: This talk will include some descriptions of harassment.