Stories from the Water
Where land meets water, an invitation lingers—not just between elements, but between versions of yourself. You could remain on shore—where it's safe, familiar, predictable. Or you could cross into the unknown.
Stories from the Water is where we dive into the courage it takes to begin, the resilience that keeps us moving forward, and the wisdom that only emerges in the space between.
If you have ever stood at the edge of a body of water and wondered what it would be like to swim to the other side, you're in good company. Whether you're a seasoned swimmer, aspiring adventurer, or just someone intrigued by the water's mysterious pull, allow these stories to reveal what lies beneath the surface—not just of the water, but of ourselves.
Episodes
215 episodes
Emma Levy's Swim Story
Emma Levy swam competitively as a child, and since then has continued swimming either in the pool or in open water, depending what’s available. This year it finally occurred to her that for the purposes of open water swimming she is an ad...
Margarethe Denk's Swim Story
Margarethe Denk is a SwimMastery High Performance Coach, Marathon and Ice Swimmer. After years of competing in the pool I discovered Open Water swimming. When the pandemic hit the only chance to swim was outdoors throughout the winter. And I re...
Michella Thomas' Swim Story
In her own words:I've been a pool swimmer since age of 9 and swam competitivelyfor UCSD Tritons I started swimming open water regularly since 1990 My first channel swim (not ratified) was Maui Channel in 2009 Othe...
Edward "Ted" Lomicka's Swim Story
Edward (“Ted”) Lomicka is a healthcare finance and innovation strategist at Community Health Systems and an adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University. He is also a husband to Michelle and father of two daughters, Ashton and Emory. Ted, an Amer...
Chris Ballard's Swim Story
Chris is a journalist and the author of five books. The latest, The Plunge: Maverick Swimmers, an Unlikely Quest, and the Transformative Power of Cold Water, it is a globe-trotting narrative about swimmers, the science of discomfort, ...
Lev Goldberg's Swim Story
Lev Goldberg (he/him) became the first openly transgender person to swim across Lake Ontario or any Great Lake on September 3, 2025, finishing his crossing in 24 hours 25 minutes and 15 seconds. He is currently working towards becoming the firs...
What's Your Relationship with the Water?
Find out more about Ocean Conservancy, A Healthy Ocean and Thriving Planet Forever and for Everyone: Homepage - Ocean ConservancyFind out more about Podcastathon:
Veruska De Vita's Swim Story
Veruska De Vita is a learner free diver, open-water swimmer and author who encourages everyone to have a deeper respect for the sea. Her non-fiction book Deep Blue – why we love the sea, launched in 2025 and is available on amazon.com&...
Kelsey Maloney's Swim Story
Kelsey moves slowly and intentionally through the world, weaving together her interests of swimming, storytelling, dancing, writing, grief, nature, and connection. She's an Open Floor Movement Teacher, inviting people to deepen their relationsh...
Lizzie’s Way Back to the Water
Born in Kent, England but now live in the Rhondda Valleys in South Wales. I am a recreational runner and I work on the World’s fastest seated Zipline. I learnt to ride a bike at aged 42 and learnt how it feels to move through water at aged 52.....
Hilary Topper's Swim Story
Want to watch? Episodes now available on YouTube!Hilary Topper is a USA Triathlon Coach Level 1, ESCI Coach, USMS Swim Coach Level 3, RRCA Run Coach, WOWSA Open Water Coach, ...
What the Water Taught Me in 2025
In this 2025 Year in Review, I reflect on the lessons swimming continues to teach me—about trust, awareness, and moving through uncertainty with more ease.Drawing from open water swims, coaching experiences, and everyday moments, this e...
Erica Mertz' Swim Story
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Berhard Hengl's Swim Story
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Deep Dive: Mighty Memphre Recap
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