Podcast · Sport

SwimOut

by SwimOut Podcast · English · Sport

I believe swimming is more than just a past-time, it's about ecology, creativity, conquering personal demons and redefining the limits of endurance. Presented by Vicki, a London based outdoor swimmer who has swum the English Channel and around Manhattan. The podcast is about the heroes, the eccentri

New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 48 min
Latest: 27 Aug 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

27 Aug 2026 · 55 min

Swim Buddies

Our fourth podcast of this SwimOut season is all about diving in with our swim Buddies, the people who keep us coming back for another dip. These are the swimmers that push us, inspire us and look after us when the swims don't go to plan, the pals who become part of your swimming journey. We catch up with Hunter, my English Channel swimming and podcasting buddy. We have a fun morning with Girly Dips enjoying Pilates as well as a welcome splash and some giggles in the heatwave. We meet Naomi who tells us about all the groups she is part of which inspire and drive her to success in sport. I…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S7 · E3 · 6 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Gertrude Ederle: First Woman to swim the English Channel
In this edition of the SwimOut podcast we celebrate New Yorker Gertrude Ederle who swam the English Channel 100 years ago this month. Gertrude was a pioneer, trailblazer and inspiration to women everywhere. We examine her achievement and look at her legacy, including a message from her niece Mary Ederle Ward . My guests include Elaine Howley who sets the historical scene. Then we hear the story of the big swim from Glenn Stout who reads from his book, Young Woman and the Sea , upon which the movie of the same name was based. We also hear from Halani Moss-Vete who writes about how we, as…
S7 · E2 · 3 Apr 2026 · 55 min
Feed to Succeed: Expert Nutrition Advice
In this edition of the SwimOut podcast we are finding out all about Nutrition and swimming, especially in longer swims. We explore what to use for fuel during training periods and also on event day, and look at what can go wrong and why! In a round table format we have guest Emily Javon @emilyjevonsnutrtion who has a PHD in Metabolism and Nutrition, and is a registered Nutritionist, specialising in endurance sports including swimming. Emily outlines the principles and the basics for us. We also have Bryony Rowe @bryony.eve.swims who is training for the English Channel and is an enthusiast…
S7 · E1 · 20 Mar 2026 · 49 min
Jane Asher: The World Record Breaker
This episode celebrates Jane Asher - an extraordinary swimmer who, at age 95, is still breaking records in Masters swimming competitions. Jane, who swam as a young person, only returned to competitive swimming in her 50’s and now holds over 100 world records. She particularly dominates in frontcrawl, backcrawl and the individual medley - which is all four strokes! This year, as she reaches the age of 95, she moves into a new age group, so is starting on her mission to break or set records in the 95-99 age group. She has also completed a number of open water swims including the Hellespont…
S6 · E8 · 4 Dec 2025 · 39 min
Captain Webb: The Channel Conqueror
This special edition of the SwimOut podcast pays tribute to Captain Matthew Webb who, in 1875, made history as the first person to swim the English Channel. Our dramatisation brings his story to life: A village lad who ran away to sea, saw the world and was inspired to make the impossible happen. The story recounts the many challenges he had to overcome - from shifting tides to jellyfish. It details what kept him going during his gruelling feat of valour, from beef tea to brandy and more importantly, his friends and family onboard the support vessel. His motto “ Nothing great is easy” is…
S6 · E7 · 19 Nov 2025 · 48 min
English Channel - Ask the experts
Vicki facilitates a conversation between experts and swimmers planning to do the swim. Expert Kevin Murphy is acknowledged as one of the world’s greatest open water swimmers. He has 28 solo Channel swims and three doubles to his credit. He has also swum the North Channel three times and is known as King of both the English and North Channels. Also with bags of expertise is Kathy Batts who has completed many relay crossings of the English Channel and a solo, as well as many other swims across the globe. She and Kevin also look after the paperwork for a large number of the Channel swims and…
S6 · E6 · 6 Nov 2025 · 47 min
Indian Channel Swimmers
Vicki explores why so many Indian swimmers come to swim the English Channel. She starts by chatting to Anshuman Jhingran who she met on the beach in Dover in 2025 when he was waiting for his Channel crossing and who now has 6 of the 7 Oceans Severn Swims. Next up we hear from Bula Chowdhury who swam the English Channel twice in 1989 and 1999 making her the 21st Indian swimmer to achieve this feat. Sal Minty-Gravett talks about her work helping Indian swimmers to acclimatise for their cold water swims. Lastly we talk about swimming many Channels with Prabhat Koli and his father and coach Koli…
S6 · E5 · 23 Oct 2025 · 49 min
My River Avon Swim
Vicki sets out to follow in her father’s footsteps and swim down the River Avon from Bath to Bristol. She is joined on this adventure by her wife Oonagh . Along the way she meets up with her family for some reminiscing about her father, and talks to Johnny Palmer , a passionate swimmer and “disrupter” who inspires and enables many swims around Bristol. We also discuss swimming in the Avon with Luke and Charlie from All-Aboard Watersports who organise swimming in the Bristol docks. Vicki gets help from CK SUP and Paddle at Newbridge outside Bath, and then has a refreshing swim with Bart , one…
S6 · E4 · 12 Jun 2025 · 29 min
Swim Through: S6E4
In this episode Vicki meets musician and singer BE who has written the beautiful song Swim Through. The song is inspired by the women BE met whilst swimming, and hearing their stories. Vicki has a dip with BE at Hampstead Ladies Pond and a chat about how swimming helps us to get through stuff. We also hear from the women who helped to make the video of the song. Find the song, it's very catchy and has a great rhythm if you want to sing along as you Swim Through your swim. Find out more at ⁠SwimOut.net⁠ and ⁠@swimoutpodcast⁠ Find the video and song @Creating_Be BE - Swim Through (Official…
S6 · E3 · 29 May 2025 · 31 min
Neil Agius and Vicki swim and talk: S6E3
In this episode Vicki meets Neil Agius , an ultra endurance marathon swimmer who has set world records with his swims near his home in Malta. Vicki and Neil go for a swim at West Reservoir and discuss how you get from swimming a 400 meter race in the Athens Olympics to a 142 kilometer swim round Malta, Gozo and Comino. We talk about how you can manage such long swims physically and mentally and cope with the doubts and the jellyfish. He talks about his swims and the mental framework called the Ocean Mindset , which he has developed. This combines strategies like breathwork, ice immersions,…
S6 · E10 · 22 May 2025 · 46 min
Pollution in our rivers and swim spots: S6 E2
Vicki explores pollution in our rivers and swim spots and how this affects us as swimmers. It's quite a grim tale. The episode gives you heaps of great information about identifying and dealing with pollution, so you can be better prepared for your swim. Yvette Tetteh who has swum down the River Volta in Ghana, talks about her swim, the river and the clothing waste from the global north that is clogging it up. She also talks about her charity The OR Foundation which is campaigning for change. Rebecca Duncan from The Rivers Trust talks about different types of pollution, how to spot them and…
S6 · E1 · 15 May 2025 · 51 min
Magnificent Vintage Women: S6 E1
Vicki explores the glorious world of older women swimmers, highlighting their achievements, dreams and passions. Sal Minty-Gravett MBE , who has swum the English Channel in each decade of her life since she was a teenager, talks about her Channel swims and co-hosts the programme. Almost Synchro, open water synchro swimmers, try to set a World Record for the longest cold water routine. Deborah Vine, a Team GB Ice swimmer, explains her love of cold water swimming. Listener Nickie Gore discusses the extra challenges of swimming with Parkinson's disease and Laura Reineke tells us about her love…
S5 · E7 · 27 Nov 2024 · 52 min
Deep
Mikey and Vicki go down Deep, diving under the water, swimming in it and listening to its sounds. Halani Moss-Vete tells us about her epic swim across the Molokaʻi Channel in Hawaii, where the water is very deep and the currents are strong. Dee Newell tells the story of her swims under the ice in Päijänne In Finland. This piece was created by Dominique Ferraton for SwimOut. Charlie Stewart tells us all about why he loves scuba diving and the peaceful world he finds down there. Amorina Kingdon, in contrast, shares with us the songs of fish singing under the water, which led her to write her…
10 Nov 2024 · 52 min
My Manhattan Swim
Vicki tells the story of how she swam around Manhattan Island. She talks about how she prepared, including talking to Jaimie Monahan - who has swum around it more times than anyone else. She heads down to Brighton Beach to swim with CIBBOWS the Coney Island and Brighton Beach Open Water Swimmers . Through recordings from the day made by Oonagh Gormley , her crew and wife, and her own memories from the swim, a rich aural story is woven. From the event organisers New York Open Water we meet the kayaker, observer and boat captain. Plus we hear from family and friends at home following the…
S5 · E5 · 23 Aug 2024 · 50 min
Historic swim stories
Vicki delves into History in this edition and also finds swimmers who are making history today. She meets Sarah Thomas who made history most notably with her 4-way English Channel crossing. Anna Maria Mullally shines a light on Irish swimmers at the turn of the last century. Todd Balf , whose book Three Kings explores the lives of 3 unlikely Olympic heroes, tells us the stories he has uncovered. George Townsend looks at the history of river bathing in Oxford. Vicki and Kathryn Ferry discuss how Billy Butlin got involved in Channel relay races in the 1950’s. We also find out about a historic…
17 Jun 2024 · 52 min
Pride in open water swimming
Mikey and Vicki discuss Pride and open water swimming. Olympian, Peter Prijdekker , shares how he has swum with Pride throughout his life. Vicki has a chat with team-mates from Out To Swim , her LGBTQ+ swimming club. Kerry Andrew reads from their haunting book Skin about a non-binary swimmer looking for their father. Then we find out about swimming with Pride around the country starting with Brighton where we discuss a new idea. We move to Kendal , where Jonathan Cowie explores how Pride is celebrated in the Lakes. Finally, Vicki goes to the Royal London Docks for the first in a new series…
5 May 2024 · 48 min
Grief - solace through swimming: S5E3
The topic of this episode is grief and how the open water can help to soothe you at this time of crisis and turmoil. Vicki starts by chatting with Shannon House Keegan from Marathon Swim Stories about their stillborn sons. Then Dr Catherine Kelly shares with us the turmoil she felt after her mother died and talks about her book Blue Spaces that explains why and how water can help with grief. Kate Steels joins Vicki to talk about the son she lost to suicide and how swimming the Ice Sevens Challenge helped her to recover. Lastly Vicki talks to Cat Joy White about her beautiful film 54 Days and…
30 Mar 2024 · 48 min
Community: S5E2
Mikey and Vicki discuss the wonderful world of swimming communities. They chat with Rachel Jones who edited Toes in the Water - stories of lives changed by wild swimming. Vicki goes to Mamma Swim and finds out all about their group for mothers who want to swim in the open water. Mikey talks to fellow swimmers at Brighton Swimming Club - the oldest swimming club in England. Bill and Jeff share with us about their project iSwim4 which is for people recovering from substance addiction and Vicki finds out about a film called Rave On For The Avon and its maker Aggie Nyagari and star Meg who…
29 Feb 2024 · 42 min
Training for your big swim: S5E1
Amy Ennion and Vicki explore training for the big swim. They discuss their approaches to training and talk to Shannon House Keegan who works with people remotely. Vicki goes to meet Ray Gibbs who films you in his tank Swim Canary Wharf . Amy discusses training camps with Anna McCarthy , a regular at the infamous Irish swim camps and Mandy Bodemeaid from Dover Channel Training tells us all about their training weekends. Plus we hear from Mark Sheridan about a pool based group which provides support and inspiration and Jonathan Cowie tells us about his struggles with his sofa.
23 Nov 2023 · 48 min
The Record Breakers: S4E6
This season has seen a bumper crop of swimming records, so Vicki and Amy have sought out the record-breakers. We have Andy Donaldson who swam all seven of the Seven Oceans in just one year and Sophie Etheridge chats with Jackie Cobell having taken her Longest English Channel Swim mantle away. Jasmine Harrison , who has two Guinness world records, talks about her adventures. We grab a chat with Anshuman Jhingran , the "Little Boy from Mumbai", who snapped up two records in his first year of marathon swimming and we join it all up with Julian Critchlow who gathers in all the English Channel…
10 Oct 2023 · 39 min
Mercedes Gleitze: S4E5
Mikey and Vicki bring you a cornucopia of tales about Mercedes Gleitze , the first British woman to swim the English Channel. With a dramatized section and interviews with her grandson Andrew Pember and bathing historian Anna Maria Mullally the program celebrates this iconic swimmer. We also find out all about the “Swimming a Long Way Together” project, a tribute to Mercedes created by Vanessa Daws . We bring Mercedes' story to life and delve deeper into who she was and the legacy she has left.
13 Jul 2023 · 49 min
Can you swim yourself happy? S4E4
In this edition of the SwimOut podcast we explore how swimming can boost our wellbeing and soothe our worries. Join Mikey and Vicki with special guest Amy – AmySwims as they talk about the challenges they have with how they look. We speak to Gill – Stoma Chameleon about her Channel crossing and Jamie from Blue Mind Men, a mental health swim for men. We find some great swimsuits which bring us joy, made by Usual Objection s and for the more environmental feel-good factor we talk with Angela from Swim Wild Wye who campaigns to keep her river pollution free.
26 Apr 2023 · 40 min
Chloe McCardel- Queen of the Channel: S4E3
In this episode Vicki meets Chloe McCardel who is the Queen of the Channel - she has swum the English Channel forty four times which is more times than any other person. Also she holds the record for the longest ever sea swim at 124.4 kilometers, taking 41 hours in the Bahamas. She is swimming royalty but also a passionate supporter of Women's rights, always ready to call out injustice. Vicki spends a day with Chloe in Weymouth finding out about her swimming, her past and what she is up to in Dorset this summer with her new boat Channel Queen.
S4 · E2 · 8 Apr 2023 · 44 min
The Relay swim: S4E2
In this edition of the SwimOut podcast we explore the joys of swimming in a Relay team. Join Mikey and Vicki as they talk about Relay swimming and the fun of it. Observer Deborah Vine answers listeners’ questions about the big day and the rules of the swim and Team Bits Missing discuss their North Channel relay swim. Plus we hear from Catherine Stefanutti , Dirk Gewert and more listeners about the joys of Relay swimming. For more information and longer versions please go to SwimOut.net
8 Mar 2023 · 47 min
The challenge of cold water swimming: S4E1
In this edition of the SwimOut podcast we explore the challenge of swimming in cold water. Join Vicki and Jonathan as they talk about thier swimming exploits in Morocco and Cheltenham. Vicki talks to Ger Kennedy about swimming in Antarctica and how it feels to be in water that cold and how to recover. Plus Jonty Warneken and Michelle Lane talk about competing in Team Ice GB.
16 Dec 2022 · 37 min
The Team: Extra Special Episode
In this edition of the SwimOut podcast we explore the people behind the big swim, the unsung heroes of open water who enable swimmers to undertake their amazing feats. Join Vicki Carter and Jonathan Cowie as they chat to Padraig Mallon - North Channel Pilot from Infinity Channel swimming, Ros Bailey partner of Hells Mouth Swimmer Frank Chalmers and Elaine Howley who likes to give back to the open water community and crewed for Sarah Thomas on her 4 way crossing. Plus listener and all round amazing swimmer Jaimie Monahan tells us where she likes to swim as does Fiona McDonald , previous…
S3 · E1 · 12 Jul 2022 · 41 min
Peace: Special Edition with Lynne Cox
Our latest offering is a very special edition of SwimOut all about Peace. We welcome new presenter Jonathan Cowie from Outdoor Swimmer magazine spreading his podcasting wings for the first time. We are joined by the legendary swimmer and writer Lynne Cox. She first rose to fame when she broke the English Channel record aged 15, and went on to break many more. Her mission to broker peace between Russia and the USA by swimming the Bering Strait in 1987 remains a groundbreaking achievement. Still actively engaged with swimming she has just published a book about swimming with dogs as well as…
9 Dec 2021 · 41 min
The Big One: Series 2 Episode 6
In the final episode of this series Hunter and Vicki are joined by the founder of WOWSA, Steven Munatones, and Gareth Jones who recently completed an EPIC 60 kilometre swim over Wales' wildest water. We're also joined by the the legendary Jackie Cobell who has the impressive (if undesirable) accolade of the longest ever channel swim. Plus, we catchup with our favourite fan Rick Cipolla.
21 Oct 2021 · 34 min
Access: Series 2 Episode 5
This month Hunter is joined by guest presenter Omie Dale to discuss access and inclusion in aquatics. We hear from bathing historian George Townsend about sociological barriers, such as gender and race, in the 19th century. Omie talks to the founder of Swimunity, whose mission is to make the joy of swimming accessible to all communities following the Grenfell Tower disaster. And Vicki has a special report on the state of disability in open water aquatics.
S2 · E4 · 2 Sep 2021 · 42 min
The Mind: Series 2 Episode 4
Hunter and Vicki delve into The Mind. The mind can be your best friend and your worst enemy on a long swim. It can soothe and wash away your troubles; it can also disrupt and ruin your flow. In this episode we meet Cliff Golding; after 5 years and 6 failed attempts Cliff finally tamed his demons and successfully crossed the English Channel - he tells us his secret. Sarah Kennedy Norquoy lives in the Orkney isles and tells us how swimming helped her recover from grief and we catch up with Mental Health Swims about raising mental health awareness. Last but not least, we speak to two…

About SwimOut

SwimOut is a English sport podcast from SwimOut Podcast. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: SwimOut Podcast
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 48 min
Latest episode: 27 Aug 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1515962134
Rights: SwimOut Podcast

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