Summary

In this episode of One Breath, Katie Jackson speaks with Melanie Ezell, a big wave surfer and cancer thriver, about her transformative journey through surfing, motherhood and personal challenges. Melanie shares how the ocean has been a source of healing and strength, helping her navigate through an eating disorder and a cancer diagnosis. The conversation explores the deep connection between the ocean and personal growth, the importance of community and the lessons learned from facing fears in the water. Melanie's story is a testament to resilience and the power of embracing life's waves.

Keywords

ocean, healing, surfing, motherhood, cancer, personal growth, community, eating disorder, resilience, transformation

Takeaways

·      The ocean serves as a powerful teacher and healer.

·      Surfing can transform one's identity and provide a sense of community.

·      Facing fears in the ocean can parallel overcoming personal challenges.

·      Motherhood brings a new perspective on risk and safety.

·      Anxiety can be managed through physical challenges like surfing.

·      The ocean teaches us about impermanence and acceptance.

·      Healing from an eating disorder can be supported by engaging with the ocean.

·      A cancer diagnosis can lead to profound personal growth and reflection.

·      Finding joy in small moments is essential for well-being.

·      Community support is vital during challenging times.

YouTube

This episode can also be viewed in video format on the One Breath Creative YouTube channel.

Guest Details

You can follow Melanie on her website or by following her socials;  

·      Web: https://www.melanieezell.com

·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yogasurfmel

Sign up for Melanie’s newsletter/ blog/ life updates;

·      https://exceptional-thinker-8946.kit.com/3d43d92936

GoFundMe to support Melanie and her son through her cancer journey:

·      https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-mel-overcoming-cancer

More Podcast Episodes

To binge even more great episodes of the One Breath- Conversations Below the Surface podcast with Katie Jackson; go to Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to more episodes in this exciting first series exploring the transformative power of the ocean.

Summary

In this episode, Katie Jackson speaks with Sam from Ocean Heroes, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of neurodivergent children through surfing. They discuss the transformative power of the ocean, the importance of community and volunteer support and the various initiatives Ocean Heroes is undertaking to make surfing accessible to all. The conversation highlights personal stories of growth, confidence, and the joy that comes from connecting with nature.

Keywords

Ocean Heroes, neurodivergent kids, surfing, community engagement, transformative experiences, ocean connection, volunteering, fundraising, accessibility, mental health

Takeaways

·      Ocean Heroes uses surfing to enrich the lives of neurodivergent kids.

·      Surfing sessions help build confidence and social skills.

·      Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating events.

·      Community engagement is essential for the success of Ocean Heroes.

·      Fundraising efforts are necessary to keep events free for participants.

·      The ocean serves as a powerful teacher and healer.

·      Personal connections to the ocean can transform lives.

·      Accessibility to ocean activities is vital for families.

·      Nature therapy can significantly benefit children's mental health.

·      The joy of surfing creates lasting memories and connections.

YouTube

This episode can also be viewed in video format on the One Breath Creative YouTube channel.

Guest Details

You can follow Ocean Heroes events and volunteering opportunities on their website or by following their socials;  

·      Web: https://oceanheroes.com.au

·      Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oceanheroes/

·      Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OceanHeroes/

·      YouTube: https://youtube.com/@oceanheroesaustralia?si=pJFsDQ1f4BcSL0Ih

Further information on the 24 swim fundraiser:

·      https://oceanheroes.com.au/pages/24hr-swim

Further information on the surf and swim study projects;

·      https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/27546330251383024

More Podcast Episodes

To binge even more great episodes of the One Breath- Conversations Below the Surface podcast with Katie Jackson; go to Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to more episodes in this exciting first series exploring the transformative power of the ocean.

Summary

In this second episode, Katie Jackson speaks with Craig Brokensha, a surf forecaster and photographer, about his deep connection to the ocean and how it has shaped his life. They discuss Craig's journey from a landlocked childhood to becoming a passionate surfer and ocean advocate. The conversation touches on the importance of community in surfing, the role of photography in capturing the beauty of the ocean and the lessons learned from nature. Craig also shares his experience in advocating for dolphin rescue in Bali, highlighting the power of individual action in making a difference. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of nature for children and the life lessons the ocean imparts.

Takeaways

·       Craig's connection to the ocean began during childhood holidays.

·       Surfing transformed Craig's life and career choices.

·       The surfing community can be both welcoming and competitive.

·       Photography became a way to stay connected to the ocean during injuries.

·       The ocean teaches humility and respect for nature.

·       Advocacy can lead to significant change.

·       Nature provides essential mental health benefits.

·       Sharing experiences in the ocean fosters community and connection.

·       Children learn to appreciate nature through early exposure.

·       Individual actions can lead to collective change for the environment.

Keywords

ocean, surfing, environmental advocacy, oceanography, community, photography, mental health, life lessons, dolphin rescue, nature

YouTube

This episode can also be viewed in video format on the One Breath Creative YouTube channel; @onebreathcreative

Guest Details

You can follow Craig’s surf forecasting at Swellnet; by downloading the Swellnet app, jumping on their webpage or socials;

·       https://www.swellnet.com

·       Instagram- @swellnet

·       Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/swellnet

Further information on Craig’s personal projects;

·       Instagram- @craigbrokensha

·       https://www.change.org/p/wake-bali-dolphins-free-four-wild-dolphins-contained-in-a-tiny-resort-pool

More Podcast Episodes

To binge even more great episodes of the One Breath- Conversations Below the Surface podcast with Katie Jackson; go to Spotify, ABC Listener Australia, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to more episodes in this exciting first series exploring the transformative power of the ocean.

Summary

In this episode of One Breath, Katie Jackson speaks with Luciana Blanco-Villegas, a champion freediver and conservationist, about her transformative journey from fear of the ocean to becoming a record-holding freediver. They discuss the empowerment of women through ocean conservation projects in Kenya, the importance of understanding marine life, and the lessons learned from freediving, including patience and mindfulness. Luciana shares her experiences with shark behavior and the need for better education around it, as well as her exciting new project aimed at connecting freediving enthusiasts with retreats around the world.

Takeaways

• Luciana's journey began with a fear of sharks but evolved into a passion for freediving.
• The ocean has a powerful connection to creativity and wellbeing.
• Empowering women through coral restoration projects in Kenya is crucial.
• Freediving teaches patience and mindfulness, essential for personal growth.
• Understanding shark behaviour can reduce fear and promote conservation.
• Community building is vital for ocean conservation efforts.
• Freediving can be accessible to all ages and skill levels.
• The ocean provides a unique opportunity for personal transformation.
• Reframing fear into curiosity can enhance the freediving experience.
• Creating a centralized platform for freediving retreats can benefit both instructors and participants.

Keywords

freediving, ocean empowerment, coral restoration, women's empowerment, shark behavior, mindfulness, ocean conservation, underwater photography, community building, personal growth

Titles

From Fear to Freedom: Luciana's Ocean Journey

Empowerment Through the Ocean: Coral Restoration in Kenya

Sound Bites

"Freediving is not a sport that you can push"

"People want to protect what they love"

"We created a webpage for freediving retreats"

YouTube

This episode can also be viewed in video format on the One Breath Creative YouTube channel;

https://www.youtube.com/@OneBreathCreative

Guest Details

You can follow more of Luciana's journey via her socials;

https://www.instagram.com/lucianaloveslife/

Further information on Luciana's projects;

• ⁠BookFreedivingRetreats.com⁠ (retreats, events, work and blog with the freediving community).
• ⁠REEFolution⁠ (the NGO in Kenya Luciana collaborates with)

To binge even more great episodes of the One Breath- Conversations Below the Surface podcast with Katie Jackson; go to Spotify, ABC Listener Australia, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe to more episodes in this exciting first series exploring the transformative power of the ocean.