SwimScape - the podcast

Jim & Duncan
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Welcome to SwimScape - THE PODCAST — where New Zealand’s open water comes to life. Join Duncan and Jim as they dive into the stories behind the swims, the swimmers, and the adventures that make our waters special. From everyday ocean lovers to record-setting legends, we chat with the people who inspire us to explore further, swim longer, and enjoy every stroke. Whether you’re training for your next event or just love the sea, this is your place to connect with the world of open water swimming.

  1. E56 - Kylie Frost - Twisted Sisters.

    1D AGO

    E56 - Kylie Frost - Twisted Sisters.

    Send us a text Today’s guest is someone who perfectly represents what’s possible when you back yourself and just start. Kylie Frost is the driving force behind the Twisted Sisters Club here in Auckland offering coaching for swimming, biking and running. What makes Kylie’s story so relatable — and so inspiring — is that she didn’t come from a lifelong elite sporting background. She started later than most, finding her way into triathlon during Covid, like so many people who reassessed life, health, and personal goals during that time. From those uncertain beginnings, Kylie went on to complete an Ironman — a huge achievement by anyone’s standards. But she didn’t stop there. She turned her experience into purpose, becoming a coach and building a community that supports, encourages, and empowers women to believe they can do hard things too. Women relate to Kylie because she looks like a regular, everyday, middle-aged woman — juggling life, work, family, and commitments — yet she’s out there proving that extraordinary things are still possible. That relatability is exactly why she instils so much trust and confidence in the women she coaches. She’s walked the path herself, understands the doubts, and knows how to guide others through them. At Twisted Sisters, it’s not about being the fastest or the fittest — it’s about showing up, supporting each other, and discovering what you’re capable of. And Kylie Frost sits right at the heart of that movement.

    56 min
  2. E55 - Euan Acket - Inside the 5 Bridges River Swim with Euan Ackert.

    DEC 14

    E55 - Euan Acket - Inside the 5 Bridges River Swim with Euan Ackert.

    Send us a text Today on the podcast, we’re joined by one of the key figures in New Zealand’s open water swimming scene — Euan Acket. A former elite pool swimmer and triathlete, Euan is now best known as the race director of the iconic 5 Bridges River Swim in Hamilton. These days he balances life as a husband, a dad to three kids, and a passionate advocate for river swimming and community-driven events. We talk about his journey from the pool to the river, what it takes to run a major swim event, and how life in the water evolves as the years go on.  Nice guy! 5 bridges swim website

    52 min
  3. E54 - Gráinne Moss - The Jelly Fish Magnet.

    NOV 12

    E54 - Gráinne Moss - The Jelly Fish Magnet.

    Send us a text Born in Ireland, Gráinne Moss discovered her love for open water early, completing the English Channel swim in 1987. Now based in New Zealand, she’s a mother of four, a respected CEO, and an endurance swimmer on a mission to swim in as many of the world’s oceans as she can. Gráinne is the only swimmer known to have had a shark encounter while crossing the Cook Strait, a story she tells with trademark humour and humility. Passionate about cold-water swimming and Dover Channel traditions, she continues to push her limits in some of the planet’s most challenging waters. Gráinne now holds three Triple Crowns of Open Water Swimming, including both the Irish and New Zealand Triple Crowns — fitting honours for a swimmer who bridges two nations and a lifetime of adventure. Tough Lady.

    53 min
  4. E53 - Ivan Polyntcev - Dancing in the Waves

    OCT 29

    E53 - Ivan Polyntcev - Dancing in the Waves

    Send us a text This episode of Clever Dicks dives into the story of a man whose journey has taken him from the dance floors of Russia to the deep, cold waters of New Zealand. Ivan Polyntcev is one of those rare people who embodies both grace and grit, always with a smiling face. A former dancer in Russia in his youth, he made the bold move to New Zealand and found a whole new rhythm — in the ocean. Since then, he’s become a dedicated open-water swimmer, taking on some of Aotearoa’s most challenging swims, including the mighty Cook Strait, Lake Taupō, and even a gruelling 24-hour solo pool swim. When he’s not chasing his own goals, Ivan is in the water or on the boat helping other swimmers conquer their marathon dreams — offering the same encouragement and calm determination that have carried him through his own adventures. Recently married and with an ever-growing bucket list of swims ahead, Ivan’s story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the power of passion — whether it’s on stage or in the sea. Cool dude.

    56 min
  5. E52 - Stacey Balich - a British Fur Seal.

    OCT 15

    E52 - Stacey Balich - a British Fur Seal.

    Send us a text Today's special guest is Stacey Balich - an open-water and ice swimmer from New Zealand, a passionate educator and volunteer who swims everything from coastal crossings to sub-5°C lake swims. Stacey joins us to talk about the physical side of endurance swimming — the training, the breath, the cold — and the quieter, deeper benefits it brings to the mind including resilience, focus and calm.  She also shares an intensely personal story: how swimming helped sustain her through a battle with bowel cancer and how getting in the water became part of her recovery and life. Expect practical tips, tough honesty, and the kind of stories that make you want to jump in the sea.

    49 min
  6. E51 - Dean Madsen - Training for a 40km Swim with Parkinsons.

    SEP 29

    E51 - Dean Madsen - Training for a 40km Swim with Parkinsons.

    Send us a text This week we sit down with Auckland swimmer Dean Madsen — a man who knows what it means to push limits in and out of the water. Dean’s journey started in the world of triathlon and Ironman, where endurance and grit became part of his DNA. These days his focus is on two of New Zealand’s greatest open water challenges: the 40km Lake Taupō crossing and the legendary Cook Strait swim.  But Dean’s story goes much deeper than training and KM's. Over the past year he’s faced a string of health battles — first a minor heart issue, then the life-changing diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. Instead of stepping back, Dean has stepped up, embracing swimming as both therapy and adventure. His outlook is humble, determined, and refreshingly laid-back. At a young 62 years old, Dean balances the seriousness of his mission with his love of the ocean, the surf, and just being a cool, grounded guy. In this conversation, we talk resilience, mindset, chasing audacious goals, and what it means to keep moving forward no matter what life throws your way. If you would like to support his cause, please donate... https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/swimming-for-parkinsons-my-journey-my-mission

    48 min
  7. E50 - Brian Gray - 150km River swim down the Waikato!

    SEP 15

    E50 - Brian Gray - 150km River swim down the Waikato!

    Send us a text This chat is about a remarkable Kiwi story of grit, brains, and a touch of madness.  We welcome back Brian Gray – a Kiwi Master Swimmer with a heart as big as the Waikato River itself. Brian recently swam an astonishing 150 km's down that very river, the one he grew up beside, in honour of his dad. It took him 24 hours straight – no sleep, battling the tide, and pushing through every obstacle nature and his own body could throw at him. From the sheer physical toll to the mental chess of staying focused, and yes, even the not-so-glamorous reality of figuring out how to go number two while still swimming – Brian holds nothing back. This is a story of endurance, memory, and love for family, told through one of the wildest swims you’ll ever hear about. So, grab your goggles and settle in.... Brian on Instagram: @bmeister_gray

    1h 4m
  8. E49 Stephen Moore and Jo Collinge - Ice swimming and teamwork.

    SEP 1

    E49 Stephen Moore and Jo Collinge - Ice swimming and teamwork.

    Send us a text Today on the show we’re joined by an incredible duo – Stephen Moore and his wonderful wife Jo. Stephen, at 62, is still one of the fastest men in the water, but his story goes far beyond speed. He grew up learning to swim in the very same pool as Jo back in England – a connection that has lasted a lifetime. From ice swimming at the world championships, to weekend training sessions with the legendary Salty Dogs, Stephen has lived and breathed the sport. We dive into his nerves before a race, the mindset it takes to be mentally prepared, and the unique partnership he shares with Jo – a relationship built on understanding, support, and teamwork in and out of the water. Together, they show us that swimming is about much more than racing – it’s about resilience, community, and love. It is also evident that Jo wears the pants....

    58 min
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About

Welcome to SwimScape - THE PODCAST — where New Zealand’s open water comes to life. Join Duncan and Jim as they dive into the stories behind the swims, the swimmers, and the adventures that make our waters special. From everyday ocean lovers to record-setting legends, we chat with the people who inspire us to explore further, swim longer, and enjoy every stroke. Whether you’re training for your next event or just love the sea, this is your place to connect with the world of open water swimming.

Information

  • Creator
    Jim & Duncan
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 SwimScape - the podcast
  • Show Website
    SwimScape - the podcast