RAWW Podcast Sarah Freeman

Step off the shore with us and plunge into a conversation with Kayleigh, Cornwall's ocean whisperer and advocate for the ocean. Through her lens, the cold British seas become a theatre of dreams, where diving without tanks is not just an activity, but a dance with the water. We unravel the magic of the UK's underwater. Her tales offer a fresh perspective on the serenity and liberation that come from sharing space with some of the ocean's most misunderstood creatures.

As we navigate the currents of our discussion, the healing touch of the sea comes to light, affirming the notion of being 'blue-minded'. Whether it's the gentle lap of waves against your skin or the full embrace of the ocean's depths, the water's capacity to wash away stress and breathe life into weary souls is celebrated. Our episode extends an empowering invitation to Waterwomen and watergirls drawn to the call of the seas, championing the idea that aquatic adventures are not just pastimes but portals to self-discovery and communal joy. Kayleigh's reflections on the ocean's teachings—how to harness the strength to be both a force of nature and a vessel of peace—resonate as a reminder of the deep, profound empowerment waiting just below the surface.

Connect with Kayleigh Slowey:

IG:  click here
Linktree: click here

Connect with Sarah Freeman:
IG click hereRAWW Mini Swim RetreatsMountain Mermaid Summer Retreats RAWW Online Swim CoachingFearless Warrior Swim SquadNewsletter Sign up!Book a connection call

As the chill of open waters beckons, Steph Ramsay (she/they), the inspiring co-founder of the Hideous Swim Society, joins us to talk a bit about ice swims and their unexpected delights.

Our conversation, steeped in the biting embrace of waters below five degrees Celsius, unveils Steph's transformative journey from a tentative swimmer to a powerhouse who finds solace and strength in the harsh yet rewarding climes of competitive ice swimming.

She shares not only the exhilaration that comes with defying the cold but also the meticulous mental and physical fortitude required to master such a feat. Together, we reminisce about the sensation of swimming butterfly stroke.

Taking a breath to reflect inward, we dive into the profound ways swimming serves as a catalyst for healing and personal growth. I opened up about my transformative swims, and Steph talked about Loch Lomond, which offered a haven for meditation and self-discovery.

Our discussion celebrates the community we both have nurtured; one that encourages swimmers of all levels to plunge into self-improvement and find camaraderie in the collective splash.

The water becomes more than a physical space—it's a conduit for self-confidence and a testament to the power of supportive environments where every triumph, no matter the scale, is met with genuine enthusiasm.

This episode finishes with an affectionate salute to the global tapestry of open-water swimming communities that have flourished in the post-pandemic world. From the icy plunge pools of Alberta to the adventurous swims around the Isle of Wight, we traverse the spectrum of swimming experiences that unite individuals across different walks of life.

Steph and I share reflections on how this shared passion transcends physical boundaries, fostering connections and an appreciation for life's deeper currents.

The stories we've gathered on the RAWW Podcast illuminate the unwavering spirit of Waterwomen globally.  

I extend an invitation to  Waterwomen to join as a guest on the RAWW Podcast—because every splash, every stroke, is a story waiting to be told.

To reach Steph & Hideous Swim Society:
IG click here
Website click here

We're joined by the extraordinary Sophie Etheridge from the UK, who's not only an open-water swimmer but a disability advocate. With a vision that transcends the mere act of swimming, she's dedicated to advocating within the aquatic world, where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can plunge into their passion for swimming. Our conversation navigates through her profound initiatives, including the pioneering Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers Group, fostering a symbiotic relationship among swimmers, coaches, and organizers.

Imagine the sheer will it takes to conquer the unpredictable dance of the English Channel, a challenge Sophie embraced with 29 hours of endurance. Her narrative captures the essence of the mental and physical strength required to face open waters' capricious moods. We share the waves of emotion and the unwavering support of her crew that buoyed her to monumental success. Sophie's channel swim isn't just a record; it's a narrative stitched with grit, an ode to the resilience etched in every stroke.

In an intimate revelation, Sophie recounts how the embrace of water helped her navigate the tides of life post-disability, transforming adversity into a fountainhead of strength and well-being. The chapter of her journey spotlights the significance of community within open water swimming and how it serves as a life raft of encouragement, self-esteem, and collective triumph. You will hear some advice from Sophie to those treading water in their challenges, the initial plunge may be the most formidable, yet it promises a ripple effect of empowerment and solidarity.

Join us as we celebrate the currents of change, the essence of inclusivity, and the undeniable power of water in reshaping destinies.

With love,
Sarah Freeman, Host of RAWW Podcast

You can find Sophie on IG, click here for the link.

PS:  I have a new RAWW Mini Swim Retreat on March 9 in Canmore Alberta,  click here for details.

Laura Heininger, founder of Tofino Breath and Meditation, graces our podcast with her love for water, and surfing.

Laura unveils how the amalgamation of breathwork and the thrill of surfing have enhanced her physical prowess and her mental equilibrium.

Our discussion with Laura sails through the significance of water in shaping our self-awareness and the profound camaraderie within the aquatic community. She paints a vivid picture of a moonlit surf, a dance with the waves that reminds us of the symbiotic relationship with nature, safety, and the surf's embrace that molds our resilience and self-belief.

Laura's Contact details:
Follow Laura on IG @tofino_breath_and_meditation
tofinobreathandmeditation.com

We're also thrilled to announce the launch of our RAWW Mini Swim Retreats!

Sarah's insights into the nurturing power and healing of water, coupled with our exciting retreat announcement, promise a surge of inspiration for fellow water lovers to connect and grow an empowering community for Waterwomen.

As we wrap up, we're reminded of the boundless joy that comes from plunging into any body of water, big or small, and the unspoken bond it creates among us. Remember to navigate our website for all the details on these RAWW Mini Swim retreat experiences, and more! Join us, and let the current of our conversation carry you to newfound depths.

With love,
Sarah Freeman (host of RAWW Podcast)

Welcome to RAWW (Rad Active Waterwomen) Podcast!

Have you ever listened to the ocean's call or any body of water, and felt an irresistible pull toward its waves, or the solitude of water that brings healing, and joy? That's a sensation known to every guest on our Raw Podcast, now rebranded to celebrate Rad, Active Waterwomen across the globe. I'm Sarah Freeman, your avid swimmer and host, ready to take you on a captivating journey through the lives of extraordinary women whose adventures and achievements in swimming, surfing, and everything water-related are awe-inspiring and heartwarming. Each episode promises tales of courage and passion and a deeper understanding of the water's healing power that connects us all.

RAWW Podcast is setting sail with a lineup of trailblazing stories that are as diverse as they are profound—from open-water swimmers to innovative swimwear designers and swim equipment created by waterwomen, to dedicated coaches to the brave souls who plunge into icy waters, competitive master swimmers, ice swimmers, sailors and more! Their anecdotes and insights promise to stir your soul, prompt you to seek out the nearest body of water, and perhaps even join in with other Waterwomen, and receive their learning from in and out of the water. So, whether you're a seasoned swimmer or someone drawn to the water's edge, tune in for an empowering celebration of the women who embrace the waves with open arms.

RAWW podcast will have monthly episodes coming your way on the last Friday of each month, overtime this will grow to 2x per month. 

The salty breeze of an Australian shore whispered to me that there are stories that need to be told, by waterwomen worldwide. Waterwomen have a special relationship with water, and they have many stories to share from in, and out of the water. 

As your host, I've taken that inspiration to heart. I'm excited to navigate this new chapter of our podcast, now celebrating the 'waterwomen' - those who find solace, strength, bravery, healing, and more in the embrace of the water. 

With this final Update episode, we wave farewell to the Raw Podcast as it has been and welcome the direction of R-A-W-W Podcast, an acronym you'll soon know as the essence of our new direction.

Expect the sound of new tunes and the unveiling of a  redesigned cover page come January 2024. While we honor the incredible stories of our past guests, the upcoming season is set to flow with stories from sailors, surfers, swimmers, wild swimmers, cold water swimmers, and free divers, all united by their love for the water. So, here's to change, to the power of water, and the amazing waterwomen worldwide - this journey is dedicated to you, and I can't wait for you to join me as we ride this wave together.