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Artwork for Swim Chats

Swim Chats

Shona Riddell
Swimming
Ocean Swimming
New Zealand
Wellington
Sharks
Marine Biology
Outdoor Swimming
English Channel
Cook Strait
Marine Conservation
Conservation
Open Water Swimming
Marathon Swimming
Cold Water Swimming
Swimming Safety
Sir Bernard Freyberg
Shark Attacks
Shark Species
Jellyfish
The Big Swim

Every swimmer has a story to tell. Writer and swimmer Shona Riddell chats to adventure swimmers, winter dippers, marathon swim coaches, marine conservationists and more to find out how they got started and the lessons they've learned along the way. Whether you’re a swimmer yourself, or just interested in stories about the sea and people expanding their comfort zones, you'll enjoy these swim chats.... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes45Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsSwimming

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Artwork for Swim Chats

Latest Episodes

Poetry captures the sensory delights and desires (and sometimes death and despair) of swimming and the allure of open water. In this episode, returning guest Sinéad Kehoe and I take turns reading some of our favourite swim poems, mostly organised by ... more

Zoe Studd is the co-founder and ‘Chief Enthusiasm Officer’ of Mountains to Sea Wellington and the Project Lead of Love Rimurimu. She helps people of all ages to connect with marine and freshwater environments, and leads marine restoration projects. S... more

YouTube

NZ author Nicola McCloy’s new book ‘Jump In: An Insider’s Guide to New Zealand’s Best Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, Pools and Hot Springs’ was published in late 2025, with stunning photos and tips on the best places to swim.

Writing the book involved ple... more

YouTube

This episode was originally released on 11/04/25.

Our first 'swim history' episode! Featuring special guest John Hancock, a marathon swimmer and the organiser of this year's ANZAC Day swim in Wellington. In this episode John tells the story of the b... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Sinéad Kehoe
Returning guest, poet and swimmer
Episode: Swimming and sea poems with special guest Sinéad Kehoe
Zoe Studd
Co-founder and executive director Mountains to Sea Wellington
Mountains to Sea Wellington
Episode: Mountains to Sea Wellington’s Zoe Studd on the joys, challenges and possibilities of connecting people with the water
Nicola McCloy
Author of Jump In: An Insider's Guide to New Zealand's Best Beaches, Lakes, Rivers, Pools and Hot Springs
Independent author and swimmer
Episode: ‘Jump In’ author Nicola McCloy on NZ’s best swimming spots – and how she found them
John Hancock
Wellington Ocean swimmer, marathon swimmer, organizer of the annual Anzac Day swim
Wellington Open Water Swim Community
Episode: RE-RELEASE – Sir Bernard Freyberg's heroic wartime swim and our ANZAC tribute (with special guest John Hancock)
Wen Erh Hsu
Open-water swimmer and coach from Taiwan
Wen's Swimming Club
Episode: Triple Crown swimmer Wen Erh Hsu on the importance of enjoying every stroke
Seti Afoa
Runs Samoa Swim Series and Moananui swims organizer
Samoa Swim Series / Moananui swims
Episode: Seti Afoa on running Samoa Events, learning to swim, and overcoming our fear of the deep
Kate Wareham
Chief Executive Officer at Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA); swimmer advocating for epilepsy awareness
Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA)
Episode: Kate Wareham on learning to swim with epilepsy
Abi Lafbery
PhD in Outdoor Swimming; researcher focused on water quality, environmentalisms, and health of outdoor swimming
Lancaster University (PhD on Outdoor Swimming)
Episode: Dr Abi Lafbery on wild swimming, waterways, and how we swim in a changing world
Dougal Dunlop
Wellington open-water swimmer and coach; founder of the Washing Machines
Wellington swimming community
Episode: Coach Dougal Dunlop on founding the Washing Machines, teaching swim skills, and enjoying all-weather swims at Oriental Bay

Host

Shona Riddell
Writer and former journalist, now hosts Swim Chats; based in Wellington, New Zealand, focusing on outdoor/open-water swimming and community narratives.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 28 ratings
  • Great podcast

    This is a great new initiative- awesome interviews.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    picton34
    New Zealand8 months ago

Listeners Say

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Excellent storytelling that celebrates community and resilience.
Diverse range of guests from scientists to coaches.
Engaging conversations with a strong open-water focus.

Chart Rankings

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kate Wareham on learning to swim with epilepsy
Q: How did your day-to-day life change after the epilepsy diagnosis, and what has helped you stay in the water?
She explains the medical and lifestyle adjustments, including medication, safety practices, and strategies like open-water shallow water swimming and tethered swims, which allow her to continue enjoying swimming.
Kate Wareham on learning to swim with epilepsy
Q: Would you like to share your early swim origin story for listeners?
Kate recounts childhood swimming, early starts, and a transition from competitive swimming to water polo, then returning to swimming in adulthood and discovering sea swimming opportunities.
RE-RELEASE – Sir Bernard Freyberg's heroic wartime swim and our ANZAC tribute (with special guest John Hancock)
Q: What made Freyberg's wartime swim so legendary, and how did it influence the local swim community?
Freyberg's bold act of swimming with a light raft and flares, using blackened skin to stay hidden, became a folk hero tale that connected naval courage to open water sport, setting a template for storytelling around the Anzac Day event and elevating the pool's memorial status in Wellington.
RE-RELEASE – Sir Bernard Freyberg's heroic wartime swim and our ANZAC tribute (with special guest John Hancock)
Q: Would you mind explaining to us exactly what an Anzac Day swim is?
It's a Wellington tradition that blends remembrance with open water swimming, inspired by the Gallipoli connection through Sir Bernard Freyberg; the event started with the idea of commemorating Anzac with a public, organized swim in a historic setting, drawing a large turnout and media attention as it grew.
Triple Crown swimmer Wen Erh Hsu on the importance of enjoying every stroke
Q: How do you mentally prepare for night swims or swims at rough tides like the English Channel relays?
By practicing in controlled night environments, relying on lighting cues, staying focused on the swim rather than fear, and using supportive teammates to maintain motivation during the hardest parts.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Swim Chats

What is Swim Chats about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A broadcast focused on open-water swimming, coastal communities, and the environmental and personal aspects of aquatic life. Conversations center on wild swimming, coaching journeys, community building, and the social impact of long-distance challenges, with guests ranging from scientists and researchers to coaches, insiders in swim media, and veteran open-water athletes. The show often highlights mental resilience, safety in cold or challenging waters, and the power of community to motivate and sustain adventurous swimming. A notable strength is its ability to blend technical guidance with intimate storytelling, making it appealing to both hardcore swimmers and curious listeners interested in sea culture, conservation, and personal growth.... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Swim Chats?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Swim Chats:

1. Conversations
2. Chat 10 Looks 3
3. The Mel Robbins Podcast
4. An Open Water Swimmer's Podcast
5. Good Hang with Amy Poehler

How many episodes of Swim Chats are there?

Swim Chats launched a year ago and published 45 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Swim Chats?

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What guests have appeared on Swim Chats?

Recent guests on Swim Chats include:

1. Sinéad Kehoe
2. Zoe Studd
3. Nicola McCloy
4. John Hancock
5. Wen Erh Hsu
6. Seti Afoa
7. Kate Wareham
8. Abi Lafbery

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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