Erika Schagatay PhD is a scientist based in Sweden and Dahab who focuses on researching freediving and apnea.

She first appeared on Episode #42 of the podcast.

In this episode we discuss:

Shout out to Nathan McClatchey for saving this interview, and Chou and Mireia in Barcelona!
Erika’s ‘Divelab’ in Dahab.
What is the apnea RAMP test?
Genetics vs Training.
Continued and upcoming research to take place.
Lactate threshold, and diving mammals.
Do aerobic training benefits also feed into apnea ability?
On Frank Pernett’s thesis on..
New theories on the dangers of hyperventilation in serial/repeated, shallow diving.
A question from Patreon supporter Tom Way about the perfect amount o2 and Co2 to have in the blood.
It’s easier to hyperventilate than you think.
Detecting hyperventilation with a chest strap.
Deep diving with accurate pulse oximetry.
Lung atelectasis and pulmonary oedema.
Is there a genetic component to strong desaturation and oedema?
Different lungs may have different sensitivities.
Deeper dives may not mean stronger dive response.
Can arrhythmia cause black out?
Blood pressure and freediving.
The spleen effect is not part of the diving response.
The strength of the dive response is not affected by hyperventilation.
Clarifying the blood shift.
What is myoglobin and can we use it? Increase it?
How does caffeine affect the diving response?
The effects of alcohol on freediving.
Can you train for high altitude with apnea training?
What role does CO2 play in high altitude adaptation?
A question from Tom about an educational pathway into Erika’s area of research.

For all episodes of the Freedive Cafe Podcast, visit www.freedivecafe.com

For freediving courses and training in Dahab, Egypt, visit www.freediveandthrive.com

To support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/freedivecafe

Alenka Artnik is the deepest female freediver in the world. Originating from Slovenia, she transformed her life and broke free of her old bonds to pursue this amazing sport and its deeper dimensions.

Alenka first appeared on Episode #57 of the show.

In this episode we discuss:

She was in Dahab for training at the time of the interview.
What are the biggest changes Alenka has noticed in Dahab in the 7 years since she was last here?
Alenka got married! Congratulations!
Alenka's feelings on the recent doping scandal in freediving.
What has changed most in Alenka's training over the last 5 years?
The important role of Tea Košnjek, Alenka's strength and technique coach.
How important is pool training for freediving?
Alenka describes her approach to periodisation.
How many times does she train strength at this time of year?
The importance of balance in life, and treating oneself every so often.
How does one maintain strength close to a competition?
The importance of the mental and spiritual dimensions of freediving.
How important is visualisation?
What is Alenka's experience with narcosis?
The importance of clarity of mind and vision and purpose in life.
How important is having a training plan?
DESERT ISLAND QUESTIONS - PATREON EXCLUSIVE
Why does Alenka freedive?

For all episodes of the Freedive Cafe Podcast, visit www.freedivecafe.com

For freediving courses and training in Dahab, Egypt, visit www.freediveandthrive.com

To support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/freedivecafe

Originally produced between 2019 and 2021, the Lost Episodes of The Freedive Cafe were originally released as exclusive content for Patreon subscribers, then lost to time. Recently unearthed in the Sinai desert, I can now deliver them for your listening pleasure!

This episode with Davide was originally released on Patreon in October 2020.

To become a supporter of the podcast through Patreon visit:
https://www.patreon.com/freedivecafe

Davide also appeared on Episodes #22 and #151

For all episodes of the Freedive Cafe Podcast, visit www.freedivecafe.com

For freediving courses and training in Dahab, Egypt, visit www.freediveandthrive.com

To support on Patreon: www.patreon.com/freedivecafe