In Episode 223 of the Big Scuba podcast, hosts Ian and Gemma are joined by TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff and her son, Ollie, to discuss the dynamics of a "diving family." The conversation explores how diving became a central part of their household, with Miranda's daughter, Emily, recently working as a Dive Master and Ollie emerging as an enthusiastic advocate for the sport. Miranda reflects on the natural progression of her children into diving, noting that while their upbringing made it almost inevitable, it was always rooted in a genuine, positive choice.

Ollie's introduction to the underwater world was remarkably early, having first used a regulator at just three years old. He attributes his passion not only to his mother's career but to a shared family interest that included his father's love for snorkeling and his siblings' early certifications. This upbringing involved family holidays centered around diving clubs, allowing the children to build their skills alongside their parents. Now a teenager, Ollie is focused on encouraging other young people to overcome their hesitations and try the sport for themselves.

Beyond recreational trips to locations like Grenada and the Philippines, the family remains active in marine conservation, frequently participating in underwater clean-ups with groups like "Neptune's Army." Miranda notes the welcoming nature of the diving community, which has consistently supported her children as fellow divers rather than just observers.

More about Grenada : https://www.puregrenada.com/

Madagascar with Operation Wallacea : https://www.opwall.com/location/madagascar/

Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners : https://www.narcdiving.org.uk/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com

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🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms.
ISSN: 2752-6127

This week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to Helen Webb MBE and Rachel Lopata MBE. Both are British marine conservationists and co-founders of Sea‑Changers, a volunteer-led UK charity supporting marine protection projects. Helen founded the organization in 2010 with Rachel Lopata.

Since 2010, the charity has distributed grants to over 500 projects across the country, helping protect the UK's seas, shores, and wildlife.​ Rachel and Helen were awarded an MBE in the King's 2023 Birthday Honours for their services to marine conservation.

Outside her conservation work, Helen is a management training consultant specialising in Equality Diversity and Inclusion. She is a qualified PADI Divemaster, though she has never worked as a diving professional.

Alongside her voluntary charitable work, Rachel has over 30 years' experience in social and market research, previously founding Community Research. Rachel is also a qualified PADI Rescue Diver.

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com

🔗 Other Links covered in this episode:
Its our 6th Birthday on 4 Feb 2026! Listen to our first interview here: Listen here to the First Episode

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA
Waterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!

📲 Follow us on socials:
Instagram: @thebigscuba
Facebook: @thebigscuba
LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last
🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms.
ISSN: 2752-6127

This week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to Leanne Cullen-Unsworth. Leanne is an interdisciplinary marine scientist with over 20 year's experience working collaboratively with people and communities to help conserve and restore nature. She plays a pivotal role within Project Seagrass leading programmes that help to understand the connections between people and the environment.

Project Seagrass Overview: Established in 2013 by a group of seagrass scientists, Project Seagrass is a global facing marine conservation organisation securing a future for seagrass. They do this by creating, empowering, and collaborating with communities; by leading, championing and communicating scientific research; and taking direct action to map, conserve, and restore seagrass meadows globally. Project Seagrass seek to reach a world in which seagrass meadows are thriving, abundant, and well managed for people and planet.

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.
💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com

🔗 Other Links covered in this episode: Watch our interview with Mike Fincke Watch on You Tube

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA
Waterhaul link

Stream to Sea

McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!

📲 Follow us on socials:
Instagram: @thebigscuba
Facebook: @thebigscuba
LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last
🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms.
ISSN: 2752-6127

In this special year-end episode, The BiG Scuba Duo — Gemma and Ian — look back on everything that made 2025 an unforgettable year. They share impressive podcast milestones, including how many countries around the world the show has been downloaded in and highlight the amazing guests who joined them throughout the year.

Dive in as Gemma and Ian recount their wet and wonderful adventures — from breath-taking dives beneath the surface to exciting events, shows and destinations explored both in and out of the water. Whether it was discovering new dive sites, meeting fellow ocean lovers, or sharing stories from the deep, this episode celebrates all the moments that shaped the year.

Tune in for a splash of stats, stories, and the watery wonders of 2025!

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.

💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA
Waterhaul link

Hapi Bottles

Stream to Sea

McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!

📲 Follow us on socials:
Instagram: @thebigscuba
Facebook: @thebigscuba
LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last
🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms.
ISSN: 2752-6127

This week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to Jason Pritchard. Adventure has always been at the heart of who Jason is. Ever since His first dive back in 2009, he has been captivated by the mysteries of the ocean — from uncovering hidden wrecks to exploring the unknown. What started as curiosity soon became a calling. By 2018, Jason had earned his certification as a professional instructor, and today, as a PADI Course Director. He is very proud to help shape the next generation of divers through calm, safety-first guidance and real-world experience.

For Jason, shipwrecks are the ultimate adventure. Each one tells a story, a blend of history, danger, and discovery frozen in time beneath the waves. Diving isn't just a pastime; it's stepping into another world, one where every shadow might hold a secret waiting to be found.

In 2022, he faced his toughest challenge yet: a life-threatening bend caused by a PFO. That experience could have ended his diving journey, but instead, it reshaped it. It taught him discipline, patience, and a deep sense of gratitude for every single dive he makes.

These days, Jason is diving deeper, exploring legendary wrecks like Scapa Flow, advancing his technical diving, and preparing for the next frontier: rebreathers. Jason recently become Sidemount qualified, adding another level of flexibility and efficiency to his dives. Beneath the waves, Jason finds peace, focus, and an endless sense of wonder.

No matter how far he travels or how deep he explores, Jason will never lose sight of the simple joy of discovery. Every puddle, big or small, holds its own adventure. That spirit of curiosity keeps Jason pushing boundaries, chasing secrets, and living the ultimate underwater journey.

Social Media Links

Insta/Tiktok @jason_inthe_argonaut ,
Insta @themidlandsidc,
FB @Jason Pritchard

The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.
💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com

👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:

Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA
Waterhaul link

Hapi Bottles

Stream to Sea

McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025

Amazon Store

Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!

📲 Follow us on socials:
Instagram: @thebigscuba
Facebook: @thebigscuba
LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last
🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com

🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms.
ISSN: 2752-6127