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Todayâs guest is someone who perfectly represents whatâs 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 Kylieâs story so relatable â and so inspiring â is that she didnât 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 â a huge achievement by anyoneâs standards. But she didnât 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 â juggling life, work, family, and commitments â yet sheâs 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. Sheâs walked the path herself, understands the doubts, and knows how to guide others through them.
At Twisted Sisters, itâs not about being the fastest or the fittest â itâs about showing up, supporting each other, and discovering what youâre capable of. And Kylie Frost sits right at the heart of that movement.
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Today on the podcast, weâre joined by one of the key figures in New Zealandâs open water swimming scene â 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
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Born in Ireland, GrĂĄinne Moss discovered her love for open water early, completing the English Channel swim in 1987. Now based in New Zealand, sheâs a mother of four, a respected CEO, and an endurance swimmer on a mission to swim in as many of the worldâs oceans as she can.
GrĂĄinne 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 planetâs most challenging waters.
GrĂĄinne now holds three Triple Crowns of Open Water Swimming, including both the Irish and New Zealand Triple Crowns â fitting honours for a swimmer who bridges two nations and a lifetime of adventure.
Tough Lady.
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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 â in the ocean. Since then, heâs become a dedicated open-water swimmer, taking on some of Aotearoaâs most challenging swims, including the mighty Cook Strait, Lake TaupĆ, and even a gruelling 24-hour solo pool swim.
When heâs not chasing his own goals, Ivan is in the water or on the boat helping other swimmers conquer their marathon dreams â 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, Ivanâs story is one of reinvention, resilience, and the power of passion â whether itâs on stage or in the sea.
Cool dude.
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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 â the training, the breath, the cold â 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.
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This week we sit down with Auckland swimmer Dean Madsen â a man who knows what it means to push limits in and out of the water. Deanâs 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 Zealandâs greatest open water challenges: the 40km Lake TaupĆ crossing and the legendary Cook Strait swim.
But Deanâs story goes much deeper than training and KM's. Over the past year heâs faced a string of health battles â first a minor heart issue, then the life-changing diagnosis of Parkinsonâs 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
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This chat is about a remarkable Kiwi story of grit, brains, and a touch of madness. We welcome back Brian Gray â 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 â 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 â Brian holds nothing back.
This is a story of endurance, memory, and love for family, told through one of the wildest swims youâll ever hear about. So, grab your goggles and settle in....
Brian on Instagram: @bmeister_gray
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Today on the show weâre joined by an incredible duo â 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 â 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 â 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 â itâs about resilience, community, and love. It is also evident that Jo wears the pants....
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In todayâs episode, weâre 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 â and brutal â environments in New Zealand.
But this challenge wasnât faced alone. Alongside the swimmers were an incredible team of water safety officers, medics, doctors, and volunteers â the unsung heroes who kept us safe, supported, and inspired throughout the event.
Weâll 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 â this is a story of courage, camaraderie, and cold water like youâve never heard before.
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Today weâre joined by a man whose story will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you tear up a little. Heâs a Kiwi swimmer, a fighter, a smiler, and a guy whoâs learning how to navigate life with a whole lot of heart â 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 isnât the ocean â itâs the daily grind of living with MS. And yet, youâd 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. Heâs proof that resilience doesnât have to be loud â sometimes it just looks like quietly showing up, again and again.
We dive into Duncanâs life, his love of swimming, how MS has shaped â but never defined â his journey, and what keeps him going even on the hardest days.
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Heâs one of New Zealandâs most loved, straight-talking comedians, a mental health advocate, and the force behind I AM HOPE â the movement thatâs changing the way Kiwis think about mental health. Heâs been on stages around the world, behind the mic, in schools, in parliament â and now, heâs with us⊠a sort of honorary Clever Dick.
Today, weâre sitting down with Mike King â to hear not just about his journey through life, laughter, and loss â 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 â raising awareness and support for menâs mental health.
Expect laughter, honesty, a few unexpected travel stories, and a whole lot of heart. This oneâs real, raw, and refreshingly Mike.
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Hey legends, welcome back to The Clever Dicks Open Water Podcast â where we dive deep into the minds of swimmers, coaches, and salty sea legends from around the world.
Today, weâve got an absolute ripper of a guest. Sheâs fast, sheâs fierce, and she knows her stuff â itâs the amazing Merle Maud! Merleâs not just your average lane cruiser â sheâs a certified Swim Smooth Coach, a seasoned Ironman athlete, and a passionate marathon swimmer whoâs helping Aucklanders of all stripes find their stroke, build confidence, and push limits. You might know her from Swim Smooth Auckland, where sheâs turning spaghetti arms into streamlined torpedoes every day.
Weâre chatting race prep, mindset, marathon swims, and how to balance coaching, training, and maybe even having a life outside the water â if thatâs allowed.
Buckle in and enjoy the chat with Merle Maud.
https://www.swimsmoothauckland.co.nz/
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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 sheâs not swimming, sheâs talking â 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 youâre 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 letâs wade into the intrepid waters of Shannon House Keegan.
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In this episode we dive into the life of Peter Gibbsâa 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.
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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 Bathsârun by his late father, Corâevolved 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 fullyâcompleting 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, âGo Mark,â as he powered across the strait.
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Today weâre diving into a fantastic tool designed to help everyday Kiwis enjoy our beautiful beaches more safely - Safeswim.
Safeswim has had some bad press within the Open Water Swimming Community, but when you remember that it was built for the general public â families, casual swimmers, and anyone heading to the beach â giving clear, accessible information so you can make safe and confident decisions before getting in the water, it starts making more sense.
The platform is constantly learning and evolving, and now itâs even better thanks to its partnership with Surf Life Saving New Zealand. This means more accurate and timely updates, plus an improved understanding of local conditions. One of the most valuable features is that it doesnât just tell you if the water looks good â it gives you a list of real-time hazards at specific beaches, from strong currents to pollution alerts, helping you avoid surprises and stay safe.
Great tool, getting better and better.
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Today we dive deep into the mind of an extraordinary human pushing the limits of whatâs possible. Our guest is not just swimming in uncharted waters â heâs owning them.
From the sun-soaked shores of Malta to the icy depths of world records, Neil Agius has redefined what it means to go the distance. A former Olympian turned ultra-endurance marathon swimmer, Neil etched his name in history with his jaw-dropping 142.3km swim around Malta â the longest unassisted, current neutral ocean swim ever recorded. No wetsuit. No flippers. Just sheer grit and ocean-sized determination.
Heâs also a passionate environmental activist, spearheading the 'Wave of Change' movement to clean up our seas and inspire a more sustainable world. So whether you're an athlete, a dreamer, or just someone who needs a little push to chase the impossible â strap in. Because today, we're going the distance with Neil Agius."
Cool dude too.
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Welcome to the Clever Dicks Swim Podcast, where we dive into the stories of passionate open water swimmers who push the limits of endurance and determination. Today, weâre talking to Jan Steenkamp, an inspiring swimmer based in Auckland.
Janâs journey in the water began in high school, but it was eight years ago when he decided to get back into the water with a mission. In one of the most ambitious feats in the world of open water swimming, Jan attempted the daunting 80km Double Lake Taupo swim. Though he didnât finish that first try, he didnât give up. Instead, he tweaked is approach, toned down the training and worked on his feeds, and came back two years later with his gang of mates to become just the 5th person ever to complete this incredible challenge.
Jan has proved that perseverance and the will to learn from failure can lead to greatness. Get ready for an inspiring chat about what it really takes to go the distance.
Letâs dive in!
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In this episode, we dive into the swim journey of ultra-marathon swimmer Jono Ridler, whose relentless determination took him from a debilitating shoulder injury to one of the most awe-inspiring endurance feats in New Zealandâs watersâhis 99km, 33-hour swim from Great Barrier Island to Takapuna. Jono shares the mental and physical battles he faced, from hallucinations to the discipline required to balance elite-level swimming with everyday life.
We explore the mindset that fuels such extreme endurance, the lessons learned from pushing to the limit, and what it takes to keep going when every part of you is screaming to stop.
If youâre fascinated by resilience, ocean swimming, and the power of the human spirit, this is an episode you wonât want to miss.
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Today, weâre a little late in flying the flag in support of Nick Edwards, who made a gallant effort for 13 hours swimming across this massive stretch of water called the Cook Strait, battling fierce currents, icy temps, and unpredictable conditions.
Unfortunately the ocean was not working with Nick today and the cold and huge currents put an end to his swim. But, he was not out there swimming on his own - his swim was to raise awareness for ovarian cancer, a disease that affects thousands yet remains widely under-recognized.
Every year, over 300,000 women worldwide are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and early detection is critical. Nickâs mission is to spark conversations, push for awareness, and, most importantly, raise funds to support research and those affected.
Want to support Nickâs incredible journey? Donate now by clicking on the link below and help make a difference.
https://showup.ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz/nick-edwards
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