Have you ever experienced the pure exhilaration of cold water swimming amidst breathtaking mountain views? Join us on Raw Podcast as we welcome Yaz, a talented artist from the UK who recently made Canada her new home. Yaz takes us through her fascinating journey from the South Coast of England to the majestic landscapes of Canada, revealing how her lifelong love for water has profoundly influenced her artwork.

Outdoor activities have a remarkable way of boosting self-confidence and creativity; Yaz's personal stories are a testament to this. From climbing Ha Ling Mountain to enjoying the camaraderie of cold water swimming groups, Yaz highlights the joy of embracing the outdoors at one's own pace.

We dive into the uplifting power of taking things slow, savoring every moment without the pressure of competition, and the unique ways women can connect with nature—whether through hiking in beautiful dresses or simply dipping a toe in the water.

Water's ever-changing nature provides endless artistic inspiration, and Yaz’s favorite spots like Lake Minnewanka and Highcliffe Beach serve as her creative muses. We also explore her post-drawing rituals, current musical inspirations, and aspirations beyond art, such as testing out snowboarding.

As we conclude, Yaz reflects on the influential women in her life, from her supportive mum to her cherished community of creative friends. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation filled with artistic insights, outdoor adventures, and the beauty of connecting with water.

Ways to connect with Yaz and see her artwork:
Mountain Made market 29th June (Canmore)
Mountain Made market 3rd August (Canmore)
Yaz's website click here!
Instagram @Yazbaxtercreative 

Alberta’s Own (Canmore)

Big Bear Trading Banff 

Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Cool as a moose

Connect with Sarah click here!

PS: We had a bit of a glitch with the WIFI dropping in the middle of this episode, thank you for your patience, it can be part of recording podcasts!

Have you ever felt the embrace of the ocean and found yourself laughing amidst the waves? Meet Becca, a spirited outdoor swim guide whose love for the water is as boundless as the sea itself. On our show, she brings to life the joy and comical relief that water can provide, even in the aftermath of life's harshest storms. Through her story of surviving a car accident, Becca illustrates the profound capacity of water to heal and unite, proving that sometimes, the best medicine is a good swim and a hearty chuckle with friends.

Cold water therapy: a plunge into the depths not just of the ocean, but of the mind. This episode swims through the therapeutic effects of icy waters on mental health, drawing parallels between the shock of cold water and the jolt of a panic attack. Becca shares her personal journey of post-trauma, revealing how the chill of the sea helped her regain control and foster a sense of community. We also tackle the tough stuff, like PTSD and body image acceptance, all while highlighting the power of vulnerability and the strength found in a circle of fellow swimmers.

Wrapping up, we delve into the soul-stirring tales of water women and their connection with nature's aquatic wonders. Becca recounts her memorable encounters with marine life, from the shores of Northumberland to the icy grips of Scottish lochs. These stories aren't just about swimming; they're about breaking through the ice of gender issues, personal empowerment, and the celebration of our shared human experience. So, come on in—the water's fine, and the company's even better. Join us for a swim and discover how water can catalyze a wave of gratitude and growth in your own life.

More details about Becca:
IG click here
Documentary click here

Connect with Sarah:
Follow Sarah on Instagram
Sign up for Sarah's newsletter
Check out Sarah's website and offerings for Waterwomen

Step off the shore with us and plunge into a conversation with Kayleigh, Cornwall's ocean whisperer and advocate for the ocean. Through her lens, the cold British seas become a theatre of dreams, where diving without tanks is not just an activity, but a dance with the water. We unravel the magic of the UK's underwater. Her tales offer a fresh perspective on the serenity and liberation that come from sharing space with some of the ocean's most misunderstood creatures.

As we navigate the currents of our discussion, the healing touch of the sea comes to light, affirming the notion of being 'blue-minded'. Whether it's the gentle lap of waves against your skin or the full embrace of the ocean's depths, the water's capacity to wash away stress and breathe life into weary souls is celebrated. Our episode extends an empowering invitation to Waterwomen and watergirls drawn to the call of the seas, championing the idea that aquatic adventures are not just pastimes but portals to self-discovery and communal joy. Kayleigh's reflections on the ocean's teachings—how to harness the strength to be both a force of nature and a vessel of peace—resonate as a reminder of the deep, profound empowerment waiting just below the surface.

Connect with Kayleigh Slowey:

IG:  click here
Linktree: click here

Connect with Sarah Freeman:

• IG click here
• RAWW Mini Swim Retreats
• Mountain Mermaid Summer Retreats 
• RAWW Online Swim Coaching
• Fearless Warrior Swim Squad
• Newsletter Sign up!
• Book a connection call

As the chill of open waters beckons, Steph Ramsay (she/they), the inspiring co-founder of the Hideous Swim Society, joins us to talk a bit about ice swims and their unexpected delights.

Our conversation, steeped in the biting embrace of waters below five degrees Celsius, unveils Steph's transformative journey from a tentative swimmer to a powerhouse who finds solace and strength in the harsh yet rewarding climes of competitive ice swimming.

She shares not only the exhilaration that comes with defying the cold but also the meticulous mental and physical fortitude required to master such a feat. Together, we reminisce about the sensation of swimming butterfly stroke.

Taking a breath to reflect inward, we dive into the profound ways swimming serves as a catalyst for healing and personal growth. I opened up about my transformative swims, and Steph talked about Loch Lomond, which offered a haven for meditation and self-discovery.

Our discussion celebrates the community we both have nurtured; one that encourages swimmers of all levels to plunge into self-improvement and find camaraderie in the collective splash.

The water becomes more than a physical space—it's a conduit for self-confidence and a testament to the power of supportive environments where every triumph, no matter the scale, is met with genuine enthusiasm.

This episode finishes with an affectionate salute to the global tapestry of open-water swimming communities that have flourished in the post-pandemic world. From the icy plunge pools of Alberta to the adventurous swims around the Isle of Wight, we traverse the spectrum of swimming experiences that unite individuals across different walks of life.

Steph and I share reflections on how this shared passion transcends physical boundaries, fostering connections and an appreciation for life's deeper currents.

The stories we've gathered on the RAWW Podcast illuminate the unwavering spirit of Waterwomen globally.  

I extend an invitation to  Waterwomen to join as a guest on the RAWW Podcast—because every splash, every stroke, is a story waiting to be told.

To reach Steph & Hideous Swim Society:
IG click here
Website click here

We're joined by the extraordinary Sophie Etheridge from the UK, who's not only an open-water swimmer but a disability advocate. With a vision that transcends the mere act of swimming, she's dedicated to advocating within the aquatic world, where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can plunge into their passion for swimming. Our conversation navigates through her profound initiatives, including the pioneering Adaptive and Disabled Open Water Swimmers Group, fostering a symbiotic relationship among swimmers, coaches, and organizers.

Imagine the sheer will it takes to conquer the unpredictable dance of the English Channel, a challenge Sophie embraced with 29 hours of endurance. Her narrative captures the essence of the mental and physical strength required to face open waters' capricious moods. We share the waves of emotion and the unwavering support of her crew that buoyed her to monumental success. Sophie's channel swim isn't just a record; it's a narrative stitched with grit, an ode to the resilience etched in every stroke.

In an intimate revelation, Sophie recounts how the embrace of water helped her navigate the tides of life post-disability, transforming adversity into a fountainhead of strength and well-being. The chapter of her journey spotlights the significance of community within open water swimming and how it serves as a life raft of encouragement, self-esteem, and collective triumph. You will hear some advice from Sophie to those treading water in their challenges, the initial plunge may be the most formidable, yet it promises a ripple effect of empowerment and solidarity.

Join us as we celebrate the currents of change, the essence of inclusivity, and the undeniable power of water in reshaping destinies.

With love,
Sarah Freeman, Host of RAWW Podcast

You can find Sophie on IG, click here for the link.

PS:  I have a new RAWW Mini Swim Retreat on March 9 in Canmore Alberta,  click here for details.

Laura Heininger, founder of Tofino Breath and Meditation, graces our podcast with her love for water, and surfing.

Laura unveils how the amalgamation of breathwork and the thrill of surfing have enhanced her physical prowess and her mental equilibrium.

Our discussion with Laura sails through the significance of water in shaping our self-awareness and the profound camaraderie within the aquatic community. She paints a vivid picture of a moonlit surf, a dance with the waves that reminds us of the symbiotic relationship with nature, safety, and the surf's embrace that molds our resilience and self-belief.

Laura's Contact details:
Follow Laura on IG @tofino_breath_and_meditation
tofinobreathandmeditation.com

We're also thrilled to announce the launch of our RAWW Mini Swim Retreats!

Sarah's insights into the nurturing power and healing of water, coupled with our exciting retreat announcement, promise a surge of inspiration for fellow water lovers to connect and grow an empowering community for Waterwomen.

As we wrap up, we're reminded of the boundless joy that comes from plunging into any body of water, big or small, and the unspoken bond it creates among us. Remember to navigate our website for all the details on these RAWW Mini Swim retreat experiences, and more! Join us, and let the current of our conversation carry you to newfound depths.

With love,
Sarah Freeman (host of RAWW Podcast)

Welcome to RAWW (Rad Active Waterwomen) Podcast!

Have you ever listened to the ocean's call or any body of water, and felt an irresistible pull toward its waves, or the solitude of water that brings healing, and joy? That's a sensation known to every guest on our Raw Podcast, now rebranded to celebrate Rad, Active Waterwomen across the globe. I'm Sarah Freeman, your avid swimmer and host, ready to take you on a captivating journey through the lives of extraordinary women whose adventures and achievements in swimming, surfing, and everything water-related are awe-inspiring and heartwarming. Each episode promises tales of courage and passion and a deeper understanding of the water's healing power that connects us all.

RAWW Podcast is setting sail with a lineup of trailblazing stories that are as diverse as they are profound—from open-water swimmers to innovative swimwear designers and swim equipment created by waterwomen, to dedicated coaches to the brave souls who plunge into icy waters, competitive master swimmers, ice swimmers, sailors and more! Their anecdotes and insights promise to stir your soul, prompt you to seek out the nearest body of water, and perhaps even join in with other Waterwomen, and receive their learning from in and out of the water. So, whether you're a seasoned swimmer or someone drawn to the water's edge, tune in for an empowering celebration of the women who embrace the waves with open arms.

RAWW podcast will have monthly episodes coming your way on the last Friday of each month, overtime this will grow to 2x per month. 

The salty breeze of an Australian shore whispered to me that there are stories that need to be told, by waterwomen worldwide. Waterwomen have a special relationship with water, and they have many stories to share from in, and out of the water. 

As your host, I've taken that inspiration to heart. I'm excited to navigate this new chapter of our podcast, now celebrating the 'waterwomen' - those who find solace, strength, bravery, healing, and more in the embrace of the water. 

With this final Update episode, we wave farewell to the Raw Podcast as it has been and welcome the direction of R-A-W-W Podcast, an acronym you'll soon know as the essence of our new direction.

Expect the sound of new tunes and the unveiling of a  redesigned cover page come January 2024. While we honor the incredible stories of our past guests, the upcoming season is set to flow with stories from sailors, surfers, swimmers, wild swimmers, cold water swimmers, and free divers, all united by their love for the water. So, here's to change, to the power of water, and the amazing waterwomen worldwide - this journey is dedicated to you, and I can't wait for you to join me as we ride this wave together.

Ever wondered what it takes to run your own wellness business coupled with an insatiable love for nature and trail running? Well, meet Anastasia, a Life Design Coach whose story connects her curiosity to who she is today. With a zest for connecting with people and her infectious love for adventure, she gives us a peek into her exhilarating life, from river plunges to sunrise hikes and the autonomy of running her own business, A Healthy Journey.

But Anastasia's dream goes beyond just wellness. She's on a mission to empower women by creating a ripple effect - sharing her discoveries, fostering a vibrant community of strong women, and emphasizing the power of owning one's voice. As she reevaluates her business for a broader impact, she gives a shout-out to influential women such as Valerie Atkinson in her life.

RAW Podcast is taking a short break, but we'll be back in January, ready to enrich your podcast experience with new guests, inspiring stories, and new ideas. So, keep exploring and stay connected!

To connect with Anastasia:
https://ahealthyjourney.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/anastasiahendryanto/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiahendryanto/

With love,
Sarah Freeman

Hold onto your fins, as we embark on a captivating journey with Shammy, the ingenious creator of Mountain Mermaid. What happens when a woman's love for water and mountains converge? You get a brand that is unique and enchanting. Trace the origins of Mountain Mermaid and discover how Shammy's humble beginnings in New Hampshire ignited her passions and the birth of a brand deeply embraced by the community. Tune in as we explore the creation of the logo, the selection of the merchandise, and the process of launching a business.

But wait! Mountain Mermaid isn't just a brand; it's a powerful beacon of women's empowerment and connection. Listen in as Shammy reveals how lighting up her creation this summer led her to found a tribe of like-minded mermaids, fostering relationships and creating opportunities for collaboration. Find out how you too can harness the power of self-belief and owning your voice. Brace yourselves as we unveil plans for a Mountain Mermaid retreat in 2024, an opportunity for growth, solidarity, and a whole lot of mermaid magic. After all, isn't it time we create a tidal wave of positivity? Join us and feel the ripple effect of giving back.

You can find Shammy on IG @mountainmermaidz

With love,
Sarah Freeman

PS: Looking for more information on Mountain Mermaid Retreats?  click here for my website, then go to Retreats, information will be revealed in early 2024.