We catch up with masters swimmer Brad Price after he’s just wrapped up an epic January challenge: 100 pull-ups every single day - 3,100 in total - in support of a charity that helps retired military and police dogs live out their well-earned retirements.

Brad discusses the methods that kept him going, the moments that nearly broke him, and how grinding through thousands of pull-ups could translate into faster, stronger swimming in the pool. He also shares practical tips for anyone wanting to level up their pull-up game, along with honest reflections on the mental grit and physical resilience needed to see a challenge like this through.

If you can, support the cause at https://heropawsuk.enthuse.com — 3,100 pull-ups is an absolute monster of a challenge, and Brad smashed it for a brilliant reason.

Rebecca Lennon and Sarah Fitzgerald-Smith join Helen Gorman on the Master Swimming Podcast for a powerful conversation about the realities of attempting to swim the English Channel - where preparation meets uncertainty, and outcomes are never guaranteed.

With significantly fewer people having swum the Channel than have climbed Mount Everest, they explore what draws swimmers to one of the world’s most demanding endurance challenges. The discussion covers the months of training, the mental and physical toll of preparation, the ever-present influence of weather and tides, and the emotional weight of a goal that may, or may not, be realised.

Sarah shares insights from her successful Channel crossing, while Rebecca reflects on the contrasting experience of being fully prepared but unable to start due to adverse weather and sea conditions. Together, they unpack what success really means, how athletes adapt when plans unravel, and why the swimming community plays such a vital role in both triumph and disappointment.

Is AI the ultimate assistant coach or a step too far?

Matt Gray, assistant head coach at City of Peterborough Swimming Club, joins us to unpack how artificial intelligence is shaking up swimming. From free apps and instant feedback to race-winning pacing strategies, we explore whether AI could transform the way we train, and what we might lose if we lean on it too heavily.

We also tackle the ethical questions and look ahead to a future where data, coaching, and human instinct collide.