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This week we sit down with Auckland swimmer Dean Madsen — a man who knows what it means to push limits in and out of the water. Dean’s journey started in the world of triathlon and Ironman, where endurance and grit became part of his DNA. These days his focus is on two of New Zealand’s greatest open water challenges: the 40km Lake Taupō crossing and the legendary Cook Strait swim.

But Dean’s story goes much deeper than training and KM's. Over the past year he’s faced a string of health battles — first a minor heart issue, then the life-changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Instead of stepping back, Dean has stepped up, embracing swimming as both therapy and adventure. His outlook is humble, determined, and refreshingly laid-back.

At a young 62 years old, Dean balances the seriousness of his mission with his love of the ocean, the surf, and just being a cool, grounded guy. In this conversation, we talk resilience, mindset, chasing audacious goals, and what it means to keep moving forward no matter what life throws your way.

If you would like to support his cause, please donate...

https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/swimming-for-parkinsons-my-journey-my-mission

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This chat is about a remarkable Kiwi story of grit, brains, and a touch of madness. We welcome back Brian Gray – a Kiwi Master Swimmer with a heart as big as the Waikato River itself. Brian recently swam an astonishing 150 km's down that very river, the one he grew up beside, in honour of his dad.

It took him 24 hours straight – no sleep, battling the tide, and pushing through every obstacle nature and his own body could throw at him. From the sheer physical toll to the mental chess of staying focused, and yes, even the not-so-glamorous reality of figuring out how to go number two while still swimming – Brian holds nothing back.

This is a story of endurance, memory, and love for family, told through one of the wildest swims you’ll ever hear about. So, grab your goggles and settle in....

Brian on Instagram: @bmeister_gray

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Today on the show we’re joined by an incredible duo – Stephen Moore and his wonderful wife Jo. Stephen, at 62, is still one of the fastest men in the water, but his story goes far beyond speed. He grew up learning to swim in the very same pool as Jo back in England – a connection that has lasted a lifetime. From ice swimming at the world championships, to weekend training sessions with the legendary Salty Dogs, Stephen has lived and breathed the sport. We dive into his nerves before a race, the mindset it takes to be mentally prepared, and the unique partnership he shares with Jo – a relationship built on understanding, support, and teamwork in and out of the water. Together, they show us that swimming is about much more than racing – it’s about resilience, community, and love. It is also evident that Jo wears the pants....

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In today’s episode, we’re heading to the icy waters of Saint Bathans, where a remarkable group of swimmers braved temperatures of less than five degrees Celsius. Under the guidance of Ice Swimming President Roger Soulsby, these athletes pushed the very limits of physical endurance in one of the most breathtaking – and brutal – environments in New Zealand.

But this challenge wasn’t faced alone. Alongside the swimmers were an incredible team of water safety officers, medics, doctors, and volunteers – the unsung heroes who kept us safe, supported, and inspired throughout the event.

We’ll hear firsthand what it takes to swim in these extreme conditions, the mindset required to step into near-freezing water, and the community spirit that made it all possible.

So settle in – this is a story of courage, camaraderie, and cold water like you’ve never heard before.

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Today we’re joined by a man whose story will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you tear up a little. He’s a Kiwi swimmer, a fighter, a smiler, and a guy who’s learning how to navigate life with a whole lot of heart – and with multiple sclerosis tagging along for the ride.

Duncan Grant has spent years in and around the water, but these days, the real challenge isn’t the ocean – it’s the daily grind of living with MS. And yet, you’d never know it from his attitude. This is a man who shows up with a grin, cracks a joke, and still manages to outswim half the pack. He’s proof that resilience doesn’t have to be loud – sometimes it just looks like quietly showing up, again and again.

We dive into Duncan’s life, his love of swimming, how MS has shaped – but never defined – his journey, and what keeps him going even on the hardest days.

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He’s one of New Zealand’s most loved, straight-talking comedians, a mental health advocate, and the force behind I AM HOPE – the movement that’s changing the way Kiwis think about mental health. He’s been on stages around the world, behind the mic, in schools, in parliament – and now, he’s with us… a sort of honorary Clever Dick.

Today, we’re sitting down with Mike King – to hear not just about his journey through life, laughter, and loss – but also his evolving relationship with the ocean. From backyard swims to bold new adventures, including his decision to take part in our SwimScape 12 x 1 Mile charity swim this November – raising awareness and support for men’s mental health.

Expect laughter, honesty, a few unexpected travel stories, and a whole lot of heart. This one’s real, raw, and refreshingly Mike.

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Hey legends, welcome back to The Clever Dicks Open Water Podcast — where we dive deep into the minds of swimmers, coaches, and salty sea legends from around the world.

Today, we’ve got an absolute ripper of a guest. She’s fast, she’s fierce, and she knows her stuff — it’s the amazing Merle Maud! Merle’s not just your average lane cruiser — she’s a certified Swim Smooth Coach, a seasoned Ironman athlete, and a passionate marathon swimmer who’s helping Aucklanders of all stripes find their stroke, build confidence, and push limits. You might know her from Swim Smooth Auckland, where she’s turning spaghetti arms into streamlined torpedoes every day.

We’re chatting race prep, mindset, marathon swims, and how to balance coaching, training, and maybe even having a life outside the water — if that’s allowed.

Buckle in and enjoy the chat with Merle Maud.

https://www.swimsmoothauckland.co.nz/

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Shannon House Keegan is an American marathon swimmer whose open water accomplishments stretch across many different bodies of water. From the mighty SCAR Challenge, to Lake Memphremagog to Lake George, Shannon has swum through some iconic and challenging waters. And when she’s not swimming, she’s talking – as the host of Intrepid Waters, a podcast where she explores the mental, physical, and emotional depths of open water swimming with fellow aquatic adventurers.

With a heart for storytelling, and a deep love for the open water, Shannon brings a thoughtful and inspiring voice to the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, a weekend dipper, or just curious about what drives someone to swim for hours on end in wild places, this episode is for you.

So grab a towel, tune in, and let’s wade into the intrepid waters of Shannon House Keegan.