What happens when life calls you to face your fears? Surfer,  adventurer and mother of three Sam Bloom had to face that call after a 2013 family holiday went tragically wrong. 

Sam is a two-time world para surfing champion. She is the bestselling author of two books, and the subject of the 2020 film Penguin Bloom, starring Naomi Watts. Those three works detail the tragic accident that left Sam paralysed from the chest down, and the unexpected guest – an injured magpie in need of care --  who helped Sam rehabilitate and regain a deeper sense of herself again. 

Sam shares about her experience of moving away from brink of despair, navigating grief,  and how getting back in the water first angered, then buoyed her. 

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Learn more:

Penguin Bloom

Spinal Cure Australia

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Listen with Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich

Sound Engineer: Tiffany Richmond

Soundtrack By: Shannon Sol Carroll

Additional music by Wave Brain  - Dave, Neal Purchase Jr. and Christian Barker 

Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast

Waterpeoplepodcast.com

Photo Credit: Cameron Bloom

Send us Fan Mail

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Co-Hosts + Production: Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich

Sound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander

Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll

Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray   + Ben J Alexander 

Closing track: 'Sunseekers' by Andysixstring

Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast 

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Thanks to our generous sponsors this season:

Patagonia Australia: in business to save our home planet

Ngalung Kalla Eco Retreat: surf adventure paradise 

The Sunglass Fix: give your favourite sunglasses new life

Sodii: hydration for salty humans

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