The BiG Scuba Podcast

In this episode join us in conversation with Maria Munn. Maria is a multi-award winning underwater photographer, author, journalist and shark stalker, who fell in love with whale sharks and the ocean whilst in hospital on the end-of-life pathway, after being run over for the second time and left with 15 fractures and life-changing injuries.  She launched the first ever underwater photography courses in 2005, ran PADI's first ever Digital Underwater Photography Course for beginners with Emperor Divers using compact cameras and over 20 of her guests have gone on to win prizes and become established writers and photographers.   She loves to chat to visitors about all things ocean, recycled plastics and teach youngsters about what can be found on our local beaches and about local marine life through snorkelling courses from her Ocean Studio in Swanage, Dorset where she also designs and creates personalised ocean gifts and canvas prints both from her own work as well as visitors.  She also has just launched a new book and the UK's first dedicated underwater photography school for beginners to show how beginners can also create beautiful imagery with both Phones and Go Pros as well as compact cameras.  

Gemma and Ian also discuss what they have been up to recently too.

Website   https://theoceanstudio.co.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/oceanvisionsphotography

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

In this episode join us in conversation with Dr. Laura Walton.  Laura is a UK-based clinical psychologist, scuba diving instructor, and the founder of Fit To Dive, an organization dedicated to promoting mental, physical, and psychological fitness for divers.

With a background in both psychology and diving, Laura specialises in helping divers manage and overcome challenges such as anxiety, trauma, and phobias related to diving. I am an EMDR UK Accredited Practitioner, and uses approaches like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support divers in navigating their psychological barriers.

Fit To Dive is about helping divers look after their physical, and psychological fitness for diving. There are a range of services, including therapy for those who have experienced distressing or traumatic diving incidents, coaching to overcome mental blocks, and courses aimed at enhancing diving skills and confidence.

Instagram, instagram.com/fittodiveorg

Facebook, facebook.com/fittodiveorg

LinkedIn,linkedin.com/company/fittodive and linkedin.com/in/drlaurawalton-psychologist

YouTube youtube.com/@fittodive

Website address      www.fittodive.org

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

A slightly different episode. Ian, Gemma and Honey visited the Farne Islands for a 3 day diving trip in July 2024 and give  a review of their experiences.  The Farne Islands are in the North East of the UK and have numerous dive sites only a short distance from the mainland and the harbour and coastal town of Seahouses.

Our trip was organised by our local dive centre, Christal Seas Scuba https://www.scuba4me.co.uk/ and Sovereign Diving https://www.sovereigndiving.co.uk/  looked after us over the weekend.

We stayed at the best B&B we know called  Malabar https://malabar-seahouses.co.uk/

Here are links to the dive sites around the Farne Islands  https://www.sovereigndiving.co.uk/wreck-diving.html and here is a bit more information about the new dive site we visited, The Coryton  https://www.lindisfarne.org.uk/shipwrecks/3.htm

We also enjoyed great food at Bamburgh Castle Seahouses,  https://www.inncollectiongroup.com/bamburgh-castle-inn/ and Italian food at Insieme   https://www.insieme-seahouses.co.uk/ and then amazing Italian food and service in Edinburgh at  Gordons Trattoria  https://www.gordonstrattoria.com/

If you would like more detailed information about our trip then do email or send us a DM and we have a PDF guide with more information.

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

In this episode join us in conversation with Sally Cartwright.    Saly started diving 1993 after an injury on a  mountaineering trip. After a bet with a local dive club and a successful try dive, Sally took up the challenge and a new life direction.  Early into her diving career she found herself using mixed gas and rebreathers.  Finding herself at the bottom of Dorothea Quarry  at 107m or scouring the seabed looking for new shipwrecks of the English Channel pretty much became a way of life for Sally as it does many others.

Sally became involved with diving agencies and then went back to school and qualified to teach TDI Inspiration rebreathers.  However, she decided that this career was not for her and started to investigate hyperbaric medicine.

During the pandemic her ambulance work and diving world collided and she started working for Midlands Diving Chamber, firstly as a Chamber Attendant and progressed into management.

Sally has worked on some high-profile projects including the Bluebird Project that involved raising Bluebird, Donald Campbell’s water speed record boat and Donald himself from the depths of Coniston Water in 2001. Since then, the team have restored Bluebird and successfully ran her on the Isle of Bute in 2018.

Sally champions the diving industry’s support in all that she has achieved  The diving industry is not a rich one so any help just boosts morale and spreads the word what a wonderful sport we have, especially in the UK.   Sally is well known for organising social diving trips and now on the road to recovery after knee surgery is looking forward to getting back out in the deep again.

https://www.midlandsdivingchamber.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/sally.cartwright.568

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

To celebrate Fathers Day in the UK we have re-released and episode recorded in 2020.  Gemma and Ian speak to Michael and Robert Thomas who are father and son.  They share similar interests in the caving, diving and diving in caves. 

Michael Thomas has been involved in diving for over thirty years including being an Examiner and Training Officer for The Cave Diving Group. He is now the national training officer for the Cave Diving Group in the UK. 

His son, Robert became the UK’s youngest fully-qualified cave diver when he turned 18.    They were recently involved in a Thailand Cave Project in March 2024 and a full report can be found in the link below.  

Currently in June 2024 Robert is in Indonesia teaching CCR and Technical diving with some open water.  Michael is busy teaching side mount and cave in the UK and will join Robert in Indonesia for some CCR diving and some exciting cave exploration.  

https://indepthmag.com/thailand-karst/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

Gemma and Ian chat to Sarah Donohue.   Sarah is an International Powerboat Champion, Marine Stuntwoman and conservation advocate.  She loves all things ocean and has been a UN world  ocean day blogger and a media diver….

https://sarahdonohue.com/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

Please follow Narked at 90 on Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065027019650

If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link:   https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S

Other links in the podcast are : 

Sea Lion Paddle boards and use code BIGSCUBA for a discount on your order   https://www.sealionboards.com/

Dash Water     https://tidd.ly/4aP7Zr6

Our D Day Facebook post     https://www.facebook.com/thebigscuba

Running out of time    https://running-out-of-time.com/

Ford Sustainability Message    https://www.ford.co.uk/experience-ford/sustainability

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

Gemma and Ian chat to Byron Conroy.  Byron is the Chief Operating Officer at Arctic Adventures based in Iceland.  He is also an exceptional underwater photographer.  He is passionate about Iceland and photography.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/byron_conroy/?hl=en-gb

https://www.byronconroy.com/

https://adventures.is/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link:   https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S

Other links in the podcast are : 

https://www.divewithjimmy.com/

https://diverstime.com/

https://www.sealionboards.com/

https://hapibottles.com/

https://www.sovereigndiving.co.uk/farne-islands.html

https://www.lundydiving.co.uk/

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

Gemma and Ian chat to Dawn Kernagis.  Dawn joined DEEP in 2023 as the Director of Scientific Research.   DEEP is an ocean technology and exploration company with a mission to 'Make Humans Aquatic.' DEEP's undersea habitat and submersible systems, combined with multi-phased diver and human performance training, will create the next evolution of subsea science, research, and exploration capabilities.   Dawn is a NASA-trained NEEMO Aquanaut, Explorer’s Club Fellow and Women Divers Hall of Fame Inductee and who is also tasked to establish DEEP’s first US presence in North Carolina.   Dawn has also been a diver with numerous underwater exploration, research, and conservation projects since 1993, including the mapping and record-setting exploration of some of the deepest underwater caves in the world.

https://www.deep.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-kernagis-995383152/

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link:   https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S

We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

Gemma and Ian chat to Ben and Gemma Bengey.  They are the dynamic duo behind Lundy Diving.  Despite facing the loss of their father in February 2023, they joined forces to keep Lundy Diving a family business.  Together, they've not only carried on their father's legacy but also forged a stronger bond, learning to work hand in hand with their resilience, dedication, and unity and backed by their family, crew, friends and supporters from all over.

Here is the link to their website:  https://www.lundydiving.co.uk/

Safeguarding Our Seas: Lessons From Lundy:   https://youtu.be/EcsiI2ChwA8?si=3bSseuIwFj_30bqu

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link:   https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S

Other topics covered in this episode are Ford UK:  https://www.ford.co.uk/experience-ford/sustainability    and supporting our fellow diver in his amazing fitness    Jake Davies   https://linktr.ee/JDScuba             

We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127

Gemma and Ian chat to Andy Lear.  Andy is based in the UK and through his diving experiences has been inspired to write some poems with a scuba theme.

If you would like to get in contact with Andy then pop an email to us and we will pass it on  : [email protected]

The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90.   “Beyond Technical”   Narked at 90    If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements  https://www.narkedat90.com/           There is currently a code for you to use for purchases and the code is  BIGSCUBA2024.

If you are interested in the INSTA360 action camera we discussed then please click this link:   https://www.insta360.com/sal/x3?utm_term=INRAI8S

We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast.  Please give us ★★★★★, leave a review, and tell your friends about us as each share and like makes a difference.   Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via The BiG Scuba Bat Phone    +44 7810 005924   or use our social media platforms.   To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us:

We are on Instagram                     @thebigscuba  

We are on Facebook                      @thebigscuba  

We are in LinkedIn                          https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/

The BiG Scuba Website                  www.thebigscuba.com

Amazon Store :                                https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba

Visit   https:/www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you.   🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀.      ISSN Number 2752-6127