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.
Send us Fan Mail Today on SwimScape The Podcast, we’re joined by one of the most impressive young endurance swimmers in New Zealand — Quinn Boyle from Tauranga. Despite being early in his swimming journey compared with many marathon swimmers, Quinn has already built a résumé that most open water athletes would envy. He’s completed an Ice Mile, represented New Zealand at the Ice Swimming World Championships, conquered Cook Strait, and even taken on the brutal challenge of a 24-hour pool swim — and that’s just scratching the surface. What makes Quinn’s story so compelling isn’t just the swims themselves, but the perspective he brings as a young athlete navigating a sport that often attracts competitors decades older than him. We’ll talk about what drives him, how he balances university life with elite endurance swimming, and what it’s like pursuing big hairy audacious goals while most of your peers are focused on completely different things. We’ll also dive into the role his family has played in supporting and sharing the journey, because behind many great marathon swims is a great support crew, and Quinn’s is no exception. This is a conversation about ambition, resilience, discipline, and what the future of open water swimming in New Zealand might look like through the eyes of the next generation. Cool chat.
E60 - Glyn Eason - The Taniwha, Cook Strait and training for the English Channel.
Send us Fan Mail Today on SwimScape we are heading to Rotorua to meet a swimmer whose journey is a perfect reminder that sometimes the biggest adventures start by reconnecting with something you loved as a kid. Glyn Eason grew up with swimming in his blood. As a young swimmer, he competed seriously and developed the discipline, resilience, and love for the water that only comes from years spent chasing the black line. But like many swimmers, life moved on… until the ocean called him back. Fast forward to today, and Glyn has rediscovered that competitive fire — taking on some of New Zealand’s toughest open-water challenges. He joined SwimScape for the Taniwha Origin Series , pushing himself through some unique and demanding swims that tested not just his fitness, but his mindset and his ability to embrace the unknown. Prior to that he had achieved one of the ultimate milestones in marathon swimming — completing the mighty Cook Strait crossing — and now he has his sights firmly set on one of the greatest challenges in our sport: the English Channel . Glyn’s story is about more than kilometres swum. It’s about coming back to yourself, proving that age is no barrier, and showing that the dreams we have as kids can still be waiting for us decades later.
E59 - Scott Rice - Swimmer, Event Director, Beer and Manu Maker.
Send us Fan Mail Scott Rice is a former New Zealand representative swimmer who represented New Zealand at the 1995 World University Games and the 1999 Pan Pacific Championships, before going on to found the New Zealand Ocean Swim Series, Ocean Swim Fiji, and the Manu World Champs. But Scott is much more than an event organiser. He's a familiar voice on the microphone as one of New Zealand's leading swimming commentators, a passionate advocate for the sport, a proud dad, and someone who genuinely loves showcasing the very best of Aotearoa and the Pacific. In this episode we talk about his journey from competitive swimmer to entrepreneur, the highs and challenges of building world-class events, why community matters just as much as competition, and what continues to motivate him after more than two decades dedicated to swimming. Whether you've swum one of his events, perfected your own manu off the local wharf, or simply love hearing stories from people who have built something special from their passion, you're going to enjoy this conversation. This is the story of Scott Rice.
E58 - Charlotte Brynn - Conquering failure.
Send us Fan Mail Welcome to the SwimScape Podcast — where we dive into the stories of open water swimmers pushing the boundaries of endurance, mindset, and adventure. In this episode, we’re joined by Kiwi-born, Canada-based ultra swimmer Charlotte Brynn — a woman whose journey through cold water and long distances is defined by persistence, humility, and an ever-present smile. She’s failed, she’s learned, she’s returned stronger — and through it all, she never stops smiling. Charlotte’s resume spans some of the world’s most iconic and brutal swims, including the English Channel, the 20 Bridges circumnavigation of Manhattan Island, and an Ice Mile in freezing conditions. She has also taken on New Zealand’s Lake Taupō 40km challenge, only stopped by unforgiving weather conditions. But beyond the distances and conditions, Charlotte’s story is defined by persistence, perspective, and joy in the process. She speaks openly about setbacks, learning through failure, and why she keeps coming back to the water. An inspiring conversation for swimmers, endurance athletes, and anyone chasing a long-term goal that refuses to come easy.
E57 - Nic Russell - Kenzie's Gift
Send us Fan Mail Today’s guest is an extraordinary woman whose story is one of resilience, purpose, and finding strength through the ocean swimming and the swim community. Kenzie's Gift was founded by Nic following the loss of her three-year-old daughter, Kenzie. Rather than allowing tragedy to define her, Nic has dedicated herself to supporting families facing childhood trauma and serious illness through the charity’s incredible work. Along the way, Nic has faced her own significant health challenges, including a heart transplant and living with Parkinson’s disease. Through it all, swimming and time in the ocean have become a source of healing, perspective, and sanity. This November, SwimScape will be hosting the 12 x 1 Mile Challenge in support of Kenzie's Gift, raising vital funds and awareness for the families the charity serves. Nic’s journey is a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s ability to endure, adapt, and give back, even in the face of life's greatest challenges. We're honoured to have her with us today to share her story.
E56 - Kylie Frost - Twisted Sisters.
Send us Fan Mail 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.
E55 - Euan Acket - Inside the 5 Bridges River Swim with Euan Ackert.
Send us Fan Mail 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
E54 - Gráinne Moss - The Jelly Fish Magnet.
Send us Fan Mail 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.
E53 - Ivan Polyntcev - Dancing in the Waves
Send us Fan Mail 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.
E52 - Stacey Balich - a British Fur Seal.
Send us Fan Mail 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.
E51 - Dean Madsen - Training for a 40km Swim with Parkinsons.
Send us Fan Mail 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
E50 - Brian Gray - 150km River swim down the Waikato!
Send us Fan Mail 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
E49 Stephen Moore and Jo Collinge - Ice swimming and teamwork.
Send us Fan Mail 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....
E48 - NZ Ice Swimming Champs - St Bathans 2025
Send us Fan Mail In today’s episode, we’re heading to the icy waters of Saint Bathans, where a remarkable group of swimmers braved temperatures of less than five degrees Celsius. Under the guidance of Ice Swimming President Roger Soulsby, these athletes pushed the very limits of physical endurance in one of the most breathtaking – and brutal – environments in New Zealand. But this challenge wasn’t faced alone. Alongside the swimmers were an incredible team of water safety officers, medics, doctors, and volunteers – the unsung heroes who kept us safe, supported, and inspired throughout the event. We’ll hear firsthand what it takes to swim in these extreme conditions, the mindset required to step into near-freezing water, and the community spirit that made it all possible. So settle in – this is a story of courage, camaraderie, and cold water like you’ve never heard before.
E47 - Duncan Grant - Swimming with MS
Send us Fan Mail Today we’re joined by a man whose story will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you tear up a little. He’s a Kiwi swimmer, a fighter, a smiler, and a guy who’s learning how to navigate life with a whole lot of heart – and with multiple sclerosis tagging along for the ride. Duncan Grant has spent years in and around the water, but these days, the real challenge isn’t the ocean – it’s the daily grind of living with MS. And yet, you’d never know it from his attitude. This is a man who shows up with a grin, cracks a joke, and still manages to outswim half the pack. He’s proof that resilience doesn’t have to be loud – sometimes it just looks like quietly showing up, again and again. We dive into Duncan’s life, his love of swimming, how MS has shaped – but never defined – his journey, and what keeps him going even on the hardest days.
E46 - Mike King - Funny Swimming.
Send us Fan Mail He’s one of New Zealand’s most loved, straight-talking comedians, a mental health advocate, and the force behind I AM HOPE – the movement that’s changing the way Kiwis think about mental health. He’s been on stages around the world, behind the mic, in schools, in parliament – and now, he’s with us… a sort of honorary Clever Dick. Today, we’re sitting down with Mike King – to hear not just about his journey through life, laughter, and loss – but also his evolving relationship with the ocean. From backyard swims to bold new adventures, including his decision to take part in our SwimScape 12 x 1 Mile charity swim this November – raising awareness and support for men’s mental health. Expect laughter, honesty, a few unexpected travel stories, and a whole lot of heart. This one’s real, raw, and refreshingly Mike.
E45 - Merle Maud - Swim Smooth Coach, Ironman, and Open Water Swimmer.
Send us Fan Mail Hey legends, welcome back to The Clever Dicks Open Water Podcast — where we dive deep into the minds of swimmers, coaches, and salty sea legends from around the world. Today, we’ve got an absolute ripper of a guest. She’s fast, she’s fierce, and she knows her stuff — it’s the amazing Merle Maud! Merle’s not just your average lane cruiser — she’s a certified Swim Smooth Coach, a seasoned Ironman athlete, and a passionate marathon swimmer who’s helping Aucklanders of all stripes find their stroke, build confidence, and push limits. You might know her from Swim Smooth Auckland, where she’s turning spaghetti arms into streamlined torpedoes every day. We’re chatting race prep, mindset, marathon swims, and how to balance coaching, training, and maybe even having a life outside the water — if that’s allowed. Buckle in and enjoy the chat with Merle Maud. https://www.swimsmoothauckland.co.nz/
E44 - Shannon House Keegan - The Water Relationship Expert.
Send us Fan Mail Shannon House Keegan is an American marathon swimmer whose open water accomplishments stretch across many different bodies of water. From the mighty SCAR Challenge, to Lake Memphremagog to Lake George, Shannon has swum through some iconic and challenging waters. And when she’s not swimming, she’s talking – as the host of Intrepid Waters, a podcast where she explores the mental, physical, and emotional depths of open water swimming with fellow aquatic adventurers. With a heart for storytelling, and a deep love for the open water, Shannon brings a thoughtful and inspiring voice to the sport. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer, a weekend dipper, or just curious about what drives someone to swim for hours on end in wild places, this episode is for you. So grab a towel, tune in, and let’s wade into the intrepid waters of Shannon House Keegan.
E43 - Peter Gibbs - Old Salt, New Adventures.
Send us Fan Mail In this episode we dive into the life of Peter Gibbs—a spirited adventurer from Nelson, New Zealand. Peter's journey from triathlon to the open waters of Abel Tasman National Park showcases his enduring passion for endurance sports. As a seasoned writer, he shares tales of his aquatic escapades and the vibrant community that surrounds them. Join us as we explore Peter's stories of resilience, camaraderie, and the call of the sea.
E42 - Mark Lenaarts - my Cook Strait story!
Send us Fan Mail After four and a half years of relentless training, countless setbacks, and a swim dream rooted in childhood memories, Mark finally conquered the mighty Cook Strait. What started off as a tribute to long summer days at the Te Awamutu Swimming Baths—run by his late father, Cor—evolved into a powerful personal journey of resilience, love, and legacy. Pushed by a deep family connection to swimming but also a desire to inspire his wife Michelle and their three young children, Mark endured 100 days across three summers waiting for the perfect conditions. When his moment came, he embraced it fully—completing the 27.6 km swim in 7 hours and 15 minutes. In this episode, we dive into the story behind the swim: the cold-water fear, the tidal heartbreaks, the support crew who stood by him, and the voice of his father echoing, “Go Mark,” as he powered across the strait.
