Endurance open water swimming is as much a psychological challenge as it is a physical one, yet mental preparation is often overlooked.

In this episode, psychologist and Rottnest solo swimmer Nathaniel Wells explores how swimmers can work with discomfort, uncertainty, motivation, and self-talk during long swims, while also protecting their mental wellbeing before and after big events.

Learn more about Nat’s work: https://northbrisbanepsychologists.com.au/team/nathaniel-wells/

This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of this land and pay my respects to Elders past and present

Sports nutritionist and triathlete Gaby Villa joins the podcast to discuss nutrition for long open water swims, with a focus on fuelling strategies and the practical realities of feeding in the water during events like the Rottnest Channel Swim.

Gaby shares common mistakes swimmers make, how to plan and practise nutrition, and why effective fuelling needs to be individualised.

Learn more about Gaby’s work at: https://www.intenseatfit.com/

In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Scott Draper, an experienced Channel swimmer and ocean scientist, to explore how waves influence swimmers and how route optimisation can improve both performance and safety during Channel swims.

link to the route optimisation website: https://www.rcs.optiswim.com/

In this episode of The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming, I’m joined by April Mobsby to discuss her progression from a team swim to a duo, and now preparation for a solo Rottnest Channel crossing. We explore confidence, reflection, pacing, and what it means to learn to trust your body as the distances increase.

In this episode, Tyson Landers shares his journey into open water swimming, the challenges that shaped him along the way, and what he’s learned about resilience, preparation, and embracing the longer path when conditions and life don’t go to plan.

Episode 1 is live.

This podcast isn’t about training plans or race results.

It’s about the people, decisions, and experiences that shape open water swims and what we can learn from them.

In this short episode, I explain why I wanted to start these conversations and what to expect from future episodes.

If there’s someone you think I should talk to on the podcast, let me know.

A short introduction to The Science and Art of Open Water Swimming — exploring what it really takes to swim well and safely in open water, where experience, preparation, and science meet.