This conversation explores the profound connection between freediving and mental health, highlighting how the practice can serve as a therapeutic tool for self-regulation, anxiety management, and personal transformation. Elaine, a licensed therapist and freediving instructor, shares her journey and insights on how freediving can help individuals confront their fears, enhance their mental wellness, and build a supportive community. The discussion also covers practical techniques for breath control, the importance of the mammalian dive reflex, and the role of community in fostering a sense of belonging and safety.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Freediving and Mental Health
00:00 Cognitive Reframing and Skill Development
37:30 The Importance of Play in Learning
39:16 Emotional Releases and Catharsis Underwater
42:45 Practical Tools for Relaxation Before Dives
46:36 Land-Based Techniques for Divers
50:32 Transformations and Breakthroughs in Freediving
52:45 The Therapeutic Alliance in Healing
54:25 Mindset Shifts in Freediving
56:17 Building Confidence Through Freediving
57:42 The Social Aspect of Freediving
59:53 Personal Growth Through Freediving
01:00:33 Transformative Journey of a Therapist
01:04:05 Integrating Mental Health and Freediving
01:05:27 Upcoming Retreats and Community Building


Freedive Retreat Landing Page https://www.freedivenomadtaiwan.com/r...

Click to Get On Retreat E-mail Updates https://sendfox.com/lp/3e6znp

Elaine's Instagram / theunderwatertherapist

Elaine’s Website

In this episode, we pivot to a format we will do more of in the future, interviews. We have Adam Stern, multiple Australian national record holder to announce Deep Week in Taiwan, the premier freediving festival held globally in different freediving hot spots like the Philippines, Bali, Croatia, and Bahamas.

Mentioned in this Episode

Deep Week Taiwan landing page

Take courses or training from me - Freedive Nomad Taiwan

Leave a review on Apple Podcast

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Message me here

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit

In this episode we go over how to prepare for your first freedive course and a few things to note when you are on your course.

Mentioned in this Episode

Ted Harty's Freediving Summit

YouTube Playlist with Adam Stern's equalization lesson, VD Freediving soft palate exercise and reef safe sunscreen

Leave a review on Apple Podcast

Resources

Join the podcast Facebook Group to get updated when new episode or other content gets published.

Free Beginner FAQ E-book Sign Up - perfect for the total beginner to learn the basics about freediving

Send episode topic ideas or questions to ray@freedivenomad.com

Show us some love by buying from our affiliates partners:

Synctuition - my favorite meditation app and I've tried A LOT

Blue Cannatine - the BEST nootropic to get my brain to function optimally after diving. 10% discount with that link

Buy Me A Coffee - I love coffee, buying me a cup would be much appreciated

Online Theory Course with Me - 1.5 hours online class, manual and online test included

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit

In this episode we go over two topics I often see on the Freediving sub-reddit.

- Is a freediving course worth it?
- Practicing static breath holds before a freedive course.

Mentioned in this Episode

Synctuition - my favorite meditation app and I've tried A LOT

Unleash Your Static Apnea Power - 4 week breath hold training program e-book

Resources

Join the podcast Facebook Group to get updated when new episode or other content gets published.

Free Beginner FAQ E-book Sign Up - perfect for the total beginner to learn the basics about freediving

Send episode topic ideas or questions to ray@freedivenomad.com

Show us some love by buying from our affiliates partners:

Blue Cannatine - the BEST nootropic to get my brain to function optimally after diving. 10% discount with that link

Buy Me A Coffee - I love coffee, buying me a cup would be much appreciated

Online Theory Course with Me - 1.5 hours online class, manual and online test included

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit

Choosing your first freedive wetsuit is one of the most important equipment decisions you will make at the beginning of your freedive journey and in this episode we break down the considerations you need to make when deciding.

My favorite off the rack wetsuit -> Waihana Wetsuits - the coolest looking wetsuits using eco-friendly neoprene. Use the coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD for 10% off on purchases over US$100

FURTHER READING - Molchanovs blog about choosing a wetsuit and use coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD if you buy anything in their store to save 10%

Resources

Join the podcast Facebook Group to get updated when new episode or other content gets published.

Free Beginner FAQ E-book Sign Up - perfect for the total beginner to learn the basics about freediving

Send episode topic ideas or questions to ray@freedivenomad.com

Show us some love by buying from our affiliates partners:

Synctuition - my favorite meditation app and I've tried A LOT

Blue Cannatine - the BEST nootropic to get my brain to function optimally after diving. 10% discount with that link

Buy Me A Coffee - I love coffee, buying me a cup would be much appreciated

Online Theory Course with Me - 1.5 hours online class, manual and online test included

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit

Decided to take a freedive course?

What to look for in a course or instructor?

Special guest Ted Harty, former US National record holder goes over the 9 best questions to ask a freedive instructor when choosing a course.

Free online courses Ted mentioned in podcast

Ted's freedive podcast Freedive Live

My top recommendation for fins for beginners -> Molchanovs Core Silicon Fins here - use coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD for 10% off.

This podcast is brought to you by Octopus Freediving

Resources

Join Facebook Group

Free Beginner FAQ E-book Sign Up

Send episode topic ideas or questions to ray@freedivenomad.com

Show us some love by buying from our affiliates partners:

Synctuition - my favorite meditation app and I've tried A LOT

Waihana Wetsuits - the coolest looking wetsuits using eco-friendly neoprene. Use the coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD for 10% over US$100

Blue Cannatine - the BEST nootropic to get my brain to function optimally after diving. 10% discount with that link

Buy Me A Coffee - I love coffee, buying me a cup would be much appreciated

Online Theory Course with Me - 1.5 hours online class, manual and online test included

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit

Made the decision to buy fins but don't know where to begin? In this episode we go over some the things you need to consider when buying your first pair of freedive fins? Also find out my new recommended fins for beginners.

You can buy the Molchanovs Core Silicon Fins here - use coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD for 10% off.

This podcast is brought to you by Octopus Freediving

Resources

Join Facebook Group

Free Beginner FAQ E-book Sign Up

Free Online Freedive Safety Course

Send episode topic ideas or questions to ray@freedivenomad.com

Show us some love by buying from our affiliates partners:

Synctuition - my favorite meditation app and I've tried A LOT

Waihana Wetsuits - the coolest looking wetsuits using eco-friendly neoprene. Use the coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD for 10% over US$100

Blue Cannatine - the BEST nootropic to get my brain to function optimally after diving. 10% discount with that link

Buy Me A Coffee - I love coffee, buying me a cup would be much appreciated

Online Theory Course with Me - 1.5 hours online class, manual and online test included

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit

We change things up in this episode as I interview Rachel Novak, the commentator at this year's Vertical Blue freedive competition and also Nevada representative at the Ms Mermaid USA competition.

Find out what it's like at a freedive competition and mermaid convention/pageant.

Find Rachel at

Website: https://www.aquanautsfreediving.com/
IG @aquanautsfreediving (business) and @thesailingsiren (personal)

Cover art photo credit - https://www.instagram.com/niccolostevens/


Vertical Blue

Miss Mermaid USA

Mermagic Con

Don’t Take the Last Mango

Freedive Cafe

Dive Eye

Deep Week

Bahamian Reef Environment Education Foundation

Claire Paris

Old Christen-Drew Freedive Flow

Miss Mermaid USA Instagram

Miss Mermaid Maryland

Ms Mermaid Florida

Nestle Tapping Florida Springs

SSI Mermaid

Las Vegas Freedive Community Facebook Page

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Synctuition - my favorite meditation app and I've tried A LOT

Waihana Wetsuits - the coolest looking wetsuits using eco-friendly neoprene. Use the coupon code FREEDIVENOMAD for 10% off over US$100

Blue Cannatine - the BEST nootropic to get my brain to function optimally after diving. 10% discount with that link

Buy Me A Coffee - I love coffee, buying me a cup would be much appreciated

Online Theory Course with Me - 1.5 hours online class, manual and online test

You Can Find Me At

My blog and where this podcast lives

Information about taking a freedive course from me in Taiwan

Freedive Nomad Instagram Account

Freedive Nomad Facebook Group

Freedive Nomad Youtube Channel

Podcast Media Kit