Explore every episode of the podcast DunkersPodcast

Blue Bloods is a men‑only wild swimming community using cold water, nature and regular meet‑ups to create connection, confidence and better mental wellbeing. This episode explores why men‑only spaces matter, what makes Blue Bloods different, and how shared experience lowers barriers to conversation.

We also explore the community, the humour and the connections which emerge because of the group.

Our Blue Bloods Podcast isn't about bravado, performance or the competitive 'mine's bigger than yours' so, come as you are, think of one moment when the 'Blue Bloods effect' could have made a difference and pauses and laughter are welcomed. Oh, and do like & follow and, please share the podcast on your socials and amongst your pals!

“A bob hat, bought whilst cold water Welsh Dunking, helped fund Christmas — and a future — for children in Kenya.”

Abersoch DunkersPodcast is thrilled to participate in this 4th edition of Podcasthon! PODcasthon 2026, is a global podcast event speaking to and featuring charities and good causes across the world, and DunkersPodcast wanted to tell a story that starts in cold water… but ends somewhere much warmer.

This episode isn’t about charity as an idea. It’s about charity as a relationship — between communities, continents and people who may never meet, but are deeply connected.

Let's dive through those chilly waters and discover how Abersoch Dunkers, New Hope and the folk behind PODcasthon 2026 are changing lives for the better.

SEASON ONE THANKS to our Stars and listeners for being part of, and responding so well to, our successful 1st series.

The water’s gone quiet… but the stories haven’t.

As we dry off from Series One, we’re already looking ahead to DunkersPodcast Series Two, landing Spring 2026 — and this time, we want to hear from you.

Yes, dunking started as a cold-water thing. A bracing splash. A sharp intake of breath. But somewhere along the way, it became… more.Dunking is what happens when people immerse themselves fully — in the sea, in a passion, in a community, in a mad idea that somehow works.

In Series Two we’re looking for:

• Sea stories and saltwater habits

• Daily rituals, wild routines, and joyful obsessions

• People who’ve dunked into new lives, new challenges, or unexpected adventures

• And those who quietly (or noisily) make Abersoch, Pen Llŷn and the greater Wales, what it is

You don’t need to be famous. You don’t need to be fearless.You just need a story — because everyone has one, and dunkers tend to capture the best.

If that’s you…If it’s someone you know…If it’s a tale that starts with “this might sound odd, but…”

👉 Get in touch. Say yes. Come dunk with us.

Spring 2026 is warming up nicely.

— Mark (The Hoff)DunkersPodcast 🌊

Cold. Hot. Repeat. 🔥❄️This week on DunkersPodcast, we turn up the heat… then run straight into the sea.

We’re joined by Ben Wright, Oxford Brookes exercise physiologist, who’s been digging into the science behind why a cold plunge followed by a proper sweat might be one of the smartest things you can do for your body and mind.

Alongside him is Tom, joint founder of Porth Poeth Sauna on Abersoch’s Warren Beach — proving that beach saunas aren’t just a feel-good trend, but a brilliantly placed, beautifully run business built around community, movement, and feeling better.

From sea dips to steam, science to sand, we ask:Why does hot help? Why does cold shock? And have Dunkers been ahead of the research all along?🎧 Listen now and find out why “feeling alive” hasnever felt so good.

🌊✨ Surf, song & salty air — meet Annabelle Lee, where yoga mats meet ocean waves.
From Abersoch beaches to the Salzburg stages and to far flung places which enchant visitors and audiences alike. Annabelle brings a unique blend of music, yoga & surf vibes. This is the world according to Annabelle — and you’re about to step right into it."

Dave Quartermain joins us to talk wild swimming, community magic, and why dipping together changes everything - this one is sure to give you a giggle!From Manchester’s docks to Wales’ wild coasts, in this episode, Mark chats with the team behind USwim, the UK’s leading open-water community that’s making waves in health, wellbeing, and fun.

We talk about the early days of building a grassroots swimming revolution, the joys (and occasional jellyfish encounters) of open water, and how communities like Abersoch Dunkers and USwim share one mission: helping people rediscover themselves — one chilly dip at a time.

Please like, follow and share - your friends will love you for it!

Our guest, Phil Ellison, spent 20 years in the NHS, helping people recover legs, joints and lives. As a triathlete, he chased finish lines from St Helens to the World Championships in Kona. But a cold morning dip with his wife in 2022 changed everything. One breath. One plunge. One shift in purpose.

Now Phil leads Adapted Life — a mission built on five pillars anyone can embrace:
🏃 Movement
🌙 Sleep🌿 Nature🫶 Emotional Wellbeing🥗 Healthy Eating

Our Dunkers know better than anyone: the right community can transform you. So what happens when cold water… becomes a warm awakening?

The Hoff asks the big questions. Phil brings the honest answers.
This one’s personal — for every listener craving more from life.

Phil has a real gift for cutting through the noise of health and lifestyle science, turning the overload of info out there into something simple, practical and achievable. His mission is all about raising awareness, demystifying the science, and helping people make real change with the support of community.

Welcome to The Swim & Thrive Series — a special three-part journey from the Dunkers Podcast, where we dive deeper into the benefits of cold water, community, and the kind of lifestyle that keeps you moving, sleeping, and smiling better.

Swimming might seem simple — it’s as natural as walking — yet for many, water can be daunting. These episodes are here to change that.

We’ll explore how technique, confidence, and a splash of courage can transform not just how you swim, but how you live.

In this first episode, we’re joined by Rebecca Wetten from Catch Swim, who shares simple, game-changing ways to find your flow — in the pool, in the sea, and in life.

So take a breath, take the plunge… and let’s swim and thrive together.

From ice cream beginnings in 2018 to today's coffee perfection, Jack and Laura have turned Two Islands into one of Abersoch’s most loved spots. With Welsh-roasted beans, minimalist charm, and cakes worth swimming an extra mile for, their story is one of craft, community, and cinnamon. Expect laughs, sweet secrets, and maybe even the recipe for happiness (spoiler: it might be a cinnamon bun or even a 'Dunker Styled' tasty!).

If our episode brings you listening happiness, please like, share and comment about any experience or vist you've enjoyed at Two Islands .

Mark & Debbie Baker bring beer, banter, and bold dips to Abersoch – a duo who truly make waves...What happens when a triathlete brewer and a sea-loving chef join forces in the cold waters of Abersoch? You get a duo who mix fun, flavour, and a fearless approach to life – that's Mark and Debbie Baker.

From synchronised swims to North England IPAs,this episode dives into what makes this couple such a bright spark in the Dunkers crew – with a few splashes of beer foam and sea spray along the way! Mark will also tell us how, in his excitement of being a star on DunkersPodcast, he overlooked telling us about yeast!  I guess he’s in good company as the original German beer purity law, the Rheinheitsgebot, in the 15th century also missed out yeast – but that’s because they really didn’t know it existed as the 4th ingredient for its role infermentation of sugars (i.e., making into alcohol).

Hope you enjoy, hic! and let’s make a splash!

This special episode of the Dunkers Podcast is dedicated to Jeff Taylor — a friend, a fellow Dunker, and the man whose famous words, “We must be bloody mad!”, still echo across Abersoch’s shores.

A year on from his passing, we celebrate Jeff’s spirit with stories, laughter, and reflections especially recorded for this Podcast and from those who knew him best.

More than just a tribute, the podcast is more like a celebration, and this is a reminder of the joy, community, and connection that Jeff embodied every time he stepped into the sea. 🌊💙

Gwynedd Council in North Wales added a 150% Council Tax premium on second homes, hoping to make housing more affordable for locals. Instead, homes are still too expensive for first-time buyers, the money raised isn’t being spent on housing, and locals worry it’s both not being deployed for the purposes it was claimed to be raised for, instead, sitting in council reserves.

For this episode, we have invited Mr John Brybour- Hughes (Abersoch local councillor and business proprietor), Mrs Angela Russell (Leader of Independent party on Gwynedd Council representing Mynytho and LLanbedrog) and Mr Rhys Elvins (experienced and well know local estate agent) to explore the impact and what's it really like 'on-the-ground'.

This is our second Roundtable episode and our Roundtables are always keen to hear from our listener and to chat about any issue which impacts locals and a wider audience in our area. Abersoch Dunkers are from all walks of life and have a real love of growing the success of all the communities in the area (in addition to daily cold water Dunking!).

Do let us have your thoughts in the poll below, or via the episode comments or directly to mark@dunkerspodcast.com.

Today’s guest isn’t just a lawyer—she’s a lifeboat skipper, a marathon runner, and a fierce defender of Abersoch’s charm. Meet Elissa Williams, the storm-force spirit behind causes, rescues, and adventures that keep our coast alive.

On this episode of the DunkersPodcast, Mark sits down with Elissa — a powerhouse of energy and community spirit. From pulling ropes in Abersoch’s legendary tug-o-war to steering lifeboats through stormy seas, Elissa’s life is a whirlwind of action. She’s also a key voice in local policy battles, particularly around Article 4 and protecting the unique character of the Llŷn Peninsula. Expect stories of courage, purpose, and why living at full tilt might just be the ultimate form of dunking.

Today’s guest has swum the English Channel, conquered ice swimming world championships, and spends her days studying exactly what cold water does to our bodies and minds. Dr Heather Massey, from the University of Portsmouth’s Extreme Environments group, has found that wild swimming can do far more than give you a shiver—it can calm anxiety, lift mood, ease menopausal symptoms, and even help with depression.

Her research uncovers how cold water rewires the brain, builds communities, and may even protect us from ageing—while also revealing its dangers, from dangerous gasps to muscle fatigue and post-swim cooling.

So today, we’re asking: Is cold water swimming more likely to cure or to kill? And is it really the free ‘cocaine high’ anyone can get?

From child protection to clay spinning, today’s guest swims wild waters and sculpts soulful stories — her journey, to date, will appeal to many Dunkers and non Dunkers alike and may, especially as a female, even inspire your adventurous side so join us for a meandering, magical conversation with one of Abersoch’s most intriguing Dunkers.

From Vodafone boardrooms to the Porthdinllaen (Nefyn) lookout post, Andy's story is one of innovation, dedication, and watching over the sea when no one else does.

DunkersPodcast is out from the kitchen studio into its first venture to rugged coastlines in a live recording at an active Coastwatch station.

Birmingham’s hustle to Abersoch’s charm, Charlotte Chandler made the leap from city grit to village hit. Whilst Charlotte’s swapped traffic jams for tide charts, she hasn’t slowed down. Now firmly rooted in village life — dunking daily, laughing loudly, and navigating it all with sparkle and sass — Charlotte proves that no matter where you’re from, it’s the people (and a bit of cold water) that truly make it home.

DunkersPodcast is honoured to welcome Jenny & Kay — two high-energy, big-hearted dunkers who’ve made the sea their sanctuary. Jenny’s a proud Aussie philosopher with a rogue wave addiction. Kay’s a carer, a mum of three, and living proof that even life’s hardest moments can be softened by sea, friendship, and a splash of Abersoch magic.

Today we’re heating things up — with the very first Abersoch Dunkers romance! 💕

Meet Clare: ex-Army Dog Handler, canine whisperer, and pure energy on two legs.

Enter Andrew: early riser, van-loving dog dad, and all-round gentleman dunker.

They met by the sea, bonded over freezing dips, barking dogs, and beach-hut banter... and the rest, as they say, is soggy, steamy and unfolding daily.

Pour a warm cuppa — this one’s got heart, humour, and just the right amount of splashy romance.

Welcome back to the Dunkers Podcast — the only place where plunging into frigid water counts as self-care, and talking complete nonsense with a straight face is practically a mental health strategy.

Today’s guest is a man of many titles — Julian Turner. If there were a LinkedIn Olympics, he’d have taken gold, silver, and probably restructured the medal system while he was at it. CEO, board mentor, inventor, product innovator, and the mind behind 4Turners, a consultancy that proves great leadership starts with great conversation — ideally while your face is frozen from a 7 a.m. dunk.

Julian’s resume includes everything from smart mirrors in royal palaces to future-tech wheelchairs and previously he transformed Westfield from a humble UK car company into a serious automotive player

But despite being a high-octane, future-forging force in business, he’s found his natural habitat: waist-deep in the Irish Sea, laughing with fellow lunatics and questioning every life decision that led to this point.

How does he juggle AI, innovation, and the occasional rogue jellyfish? What does freezing water do for a fast-moving brain? And is it true that the real breakthroughs only come after you've lost feeling in your toes?

Let’s find out — here’s Julian Turner, living proof that no matter how serious your day job, there’s always time to dunk.

Abersoch Dunkers has its own guardian of the waves — PhilWoods. RNLI lifeboat captain, first-aider, winter surfer, spaniel wrangler, and proud husband of Emma (a Dunkers co-founder). Woods lives and breathes water safety. He’ll share practical tipsfor new dunkers, his own winter change rituals, and why he still encourages the most reluctant sea-goers to take the plunge. So whether you're in a change robe or still dunking your toes, Woods has something to teach us all.

This is one of our Dunkers whose a man with a bigger heart than his chest can handle, and a spirit that refuses to sit still. Funny, fearless, and always first in line when help’s needed — Colin is what happens when you live life with your sleeves rolled up and your soul soaked in purpose.

Picture this: a gang of Abersoch Dunkers — otherwise sensible humans — decide to swim from West Island (yes, the Bear Grylls’ one) all the way back to our beloved beach huts on Main Beach. That’s right — an open water challenge across tides, jellyfish, and questionable decisions.

Why?...Blame Andy Teague; he inspired (cajoled) a crew of brave souls into doing it. And DunkersPodcast...well we’re celebrating this awesome feat and the first of our 'Dunkers Special's' with bells, whistles, and a podcast full of soggy glory.

Today, Andy, Vanessa, Matt (it's always more fun to say Yes Matt) and Emma joined me to tell us how it started, what they faced out there in the deep, both swimming and in a vital support role and, most importantly, why on earth they did it in the first place?!

This one is about community, courage, cold water, and comedy all personified by the indomitable, irresistible, and slightly waterlogged Abersoch Island Swimmers.

This week on the Dunkers Podcast, we dive feet first into the fascinating world of Nigel and Morag — Nigel, is a foot whisperer of the highest order and Morag; calm, collected… and secretly the Sherlock Holmes of cut-price luxury getaways. 

From healing soles to five-star stealth breaks, they’re the dynamic duo with more secrets than a sea cave. Nigel has traded NHS hustle for saltwater therapy — and we’re dying to know: Why are people weird about feet? Should dunking be part of a foot-care regime? And, is there a noble art to chivalrous sole-washing? 

It’s feet, fizz, and fabulous stories… and we promise, Morag might just reveal her booking wizardry. Maybe.

Meet Cath Jones—the Dunkers' doyenne and living proof that icy seas soothe the soul. After years as a top-tier family lawyer, Cath swapped courtrooms for cold water, contracts for community. A daily dipper, calm presence, and cheerful advisor, she’s the wise wave-rider Abersoch Dunkers all turn to when the tide gets tough.

Meet our affectionally known 'Mad-Elaine'—the purveyor of 8:15 a.m. screams, belly laughs, and boundless energy. A former high-flying stewardess turned Body-Pump and Pilates-pushing, dunk-loving dynamo. From dragging newbies into the sea to fronting chaotic RNLI Ladies Lunches, Elaine’s one of the heartbeats of Abersoch’s wildest wellness wave.

Andy came for the sea, stayed for the banter—and rumour has it he's the double of Daniel Craig or moreover, he's like DC's saltier cousin. Meet Abersoch's Dunker Andy Tiegue: triathlete, watercraft wizard, and post-dunk coffee king. From fitness feats to Hurly Burly swims, Andy is forever present on the beaches of and around Abersoch, Andy's turning tides and cracking jokes (some barely legal) with the Abersoch Dunkers. Join us as Andy's discusses the new horizons Dunking has opened up for him and how he blends cold water immersion with his training routines

When the world locked down, Emma and Hatti dove in—literally. These local legends turned a freezing habit into a full-blown movement. From 5 soggy souls to a 30-strong tidal wave of joy, Abersoch Dunkers was born. Think cold water, warm hearts, and the kindest cult you’ll ever want to join.

Dunking doesn't know barriers. It's for everyone and it's Free!

The DunkingPodcast is a conversation, a chat or even an interview at times with people who Cold Water Dunk maybe monthly, or weekly or especially Daily. We talk to them about their experiences, seek out rivets of info about their lives yet all with the intention of finding out why they do this thing.

It's a 'how was it for you' podcast and do you repeat this legal high and why?