The Scuba GOAT Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of the Scuba GOAT Podcast, we follow the extraordinary journey of underwater stuntwoman Liz Parkinson. Growing up across three countries - the US, England, and South Africa - Liz discovered her love of the water early, and a fierce competitive streak in South Africa pushed her to always outswim her friends. As a teenager, she trained to become a competitive international swimmer for Ireland, earning a university scholarship in the US, where new coaching provided a rude awakening and elite training that reshaped her approach to performance.

Liz’s dive career then took her across the Caribbean, working in Turks and Caicos and eventually at Stuart's Cove, where she got her first taste of on-screen work - even if it meant emulating a squid. She had no idea this was the start of a Hollywood journey, but soon she was called to audition and ultimately move to Los Angeles, where she began shaping the underwater movements of major films. Beyond performing stunts herself, Liz also taught actors how to move, breathe, and perform convincingly underwater, bridging the gap between dive expertise and cinematic magic.

Passionate about inspiring the next generation of dive professionals, Liz regularly participates in interviews, panels, and public appearances to share her experience and guidance. She has also taken on hosting roles, including as MC for the Go Diving Show. If you’re attending any dive events this year, keep an eye out—Liz may be on stage sharing stories from her time bringing the world of Pandora and the Na’vi to life.

Please enjoy. 

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Samir Alhafith, founder of The Sydney Project, and Navy Clearance Diver Lieutenant Rus Pnevski take us deep into one of NSW’s most enduring maritime mysteries — the rediscovery of the SS Nemesis. Built in 1880 by Thomas Turnbull & Sons in Whitby, England, the steamship was later used to haul coal between Newcastle and Melbourne and was tragically lost in a savage gale off Wollongong on the night of July 8–9, 1904, taking all 32 crew members with her.

For over a century, the location of the 73-metre iron-hulled wreck remained unknown. Debris and bodies washed ashore at Cronulla, but the hull eluded discovery — until May 2022, when Subsea Professional Marine Services stumbled upon it by accident while searching for lost shipping containers roughly 26 km offshore in about 160 metres of water.

Identification came after CSIRO’s RV Investigator conducted high-resolution seafloor mapping with multibeam echosounders and captured drop-camera footage of key structural features — including two of the ship’s anchors — confirming the wreck as the long-lost SS Nemesis.

Now the wreck lies upright on a sandy plain, with serious damage to its bow and stern. The storm appears to have overwhelmed the engine, and a massive wave struck before lifeboats could be launched, sealing its fate.

In this episode, Samir and Rus walk us through their historic dive — the first human dive on the wreck in over 120 years. We share video footage from the team, taking you deep into the thrill and discovery, the history that nearly vanished, and even the gear troubles they faced in 160-metre depths.

 

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Join me on the podcast as I sit down with Mark Evans, co-founder of Rork Media and Editorial Director of Scuba Diver Magazine. We delve into his fascinating career journey, intertwining scuba diving with journalism, his profound passion for the sport, and his commitment to delivering top-notch information to the global audience. Mark's love affair with diving began at the tender age of 10, and it has only deepened over the years.

In this episode, we explore Mark's hectic schedule and gain insights into the workings of Scuba Diver Magazine, as well as the exciting launch of the inaugural Go Diving Show ANZ, scheduled for this September at the Sydney Showground. It's at this point I would highlight that the show is FREE to enter and also has free parking! 

Mark's journey includes his tenure as the editor of PADI's Sport Diver UK magazine, which unfortunately came to an end in January 2017. Undeterred, Mark, along with colleague Ross Arnold, seized the opportunity to fill the gap in the market by founding Rork Media. Just a month later, Scuba Diver magazine emerged, offering readers quality content and expert insights.

As Editorial Director of Scuba Diver, Mark oversees three magazine editions: UK, North America, and Australia/New Zealand. But his ambition doesn't stop there. Recognizing the need for modernized in-person events, Mark and his team introduced the Go Diving Show in the UK. After three successful years, including a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the UK show attracted over 10,000 attendees. Now, it's Australia's turn to experience the excitement.

The Go Diving Show boasts a stellar lineup of speakers across various stages, including the Main, Photo, Australia/New Zealand, Inspiration, and Tech stages. Attendees can indulge in interactive experiences like VR diving, try dives, encounters with Bruce the rodeo shark, mermaid sightings, and even catch a glimpse of a podcaster you may recognise.

Alongside these attractions, a diverse array of exhibitors, ranging from tourist boards to conservation organizations, will surround the stages, providing a comprehensive showcase of the diving w

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Tim Morrish is an Instructor Certifier with Scuba Schools International (SSI).  Based in Koh Tao, Thailand, Tim runs the professional training arm of Big Blue Diving and is also part of the management team of the dive centre.

An extremely thorough individual, Tim is very meticulous when it comes to explaining the complexities of our sport which is all too apparent during this interview and is reflective of the successes he has achieved throughout his career, particularly as an Instructor Certifier.

It's taken an absolute age to get him on the show, but at last, he's here. We reflect on how Tim transitioned from mountain bikes into the dive industry, how he ended up in Koh Tao, where the jobs have taken him globally and of course, how our paths crossed and ultimately became great friends.

Links:

Big Blue Pro training
Big Blue Diving Koh Tao
Big Blue Diving Khao Lak

Tim on socials:
Instagram
Facebook

OzBob Scuba Prescription masks

Scuba Schools International

Link to the Black Jack B-17 video footage

Tufi Resort, Papua New Guinea

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Roni Ben-Aharon
If you've ever visited a dive show in the last few years you may have seen this lady representing Atlantis on stands or even on stage providing presentations about the amazing diving on offer in the Philippines. Roni is super vibrant and just as passionate about our sport and what she doesn't know about diving in the Philippines could probably be written on the back of a postage stamp with an oversized marker. Talking with me during this episode we take an audible trip through the various locations on offer and what makes them so unique. So, take a seat, strap yourself in, and let Roni put your imagination into overdrive!

Nomadic Scuba (me in my other role)
I'm pleased to say that I represent Atlantis through my scuba booking agency Nomadic Scuba, so if this episode whets your appetite and you would like more info or simply want a seamless and easy booking process... get in touch, and let's get planning your adventure.  (info@nomadicscuba.com or Whatsapp +61499021920)

Puerto Galera
Situated amidst the scenic hills of Sabang Beach, Atlantis Puerto Galera is a magnificent resort that provides easy access to over forty captivating dive spots. Nestled within lush vegetation, our dedicated beachfront resort boasts 40 well-appointed rooms and a comprehensive range of amenities, promising an unforgettable diving vacation.

Puerto Galera is widely recognized for its abundance of scuba diving sites and has gained UNESCO recognition as a Man and Biosphere Reserve since 1973. Positioned at the heart of the "Coral Triangle," it boasts some of Asia's most diverse coral reef diving experiences.

Dumaguete
Dauin (pronounced Da-win), adorned with its distinctive black volcanic sand, is renowned as the Frogfish capital of the Philippines

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The Underwater Club with Nicolas Remy
10% discount on the annual subscription to The Underwater Club with promo code SCUBAGOAT

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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THE END OF TALKING. THE AGE OF DOING.

Attention, nature enthusiasts and aspiring conservationists! An incredible opportunity has emerged that allows you to become an integral part of saving one of the world's most precious natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Prepare to be amazed as Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef unveil their groundbreaking AI system, inviting individuals from all corners of the globe to contribute towards its preservation and the best part? It's absolutely free!

Have you ever yearned to contribute to conservation efforts, but felt discouraged by financial constraints? Look no further, because this innovative platform offers you the chance to make a difference without spending a penny. Gone are the days of dedicating countless hours or leaving the comfort of your home to aid a cause you hold dear. Now, with just a few moments of your spare time, you can actively contribute to safeguarding the Great Barrier Reef. Are you like me? Do you find yourself mindlessly scrolling through your phone during moments of boredom or while commuting? We've all fallen victim to the allure of endless, algorithm-selected content, keeping us awake into the wee hours. But imagine channeling that time into something meaningful. Picture yourself utilizing those precious moments for a higher purpose. Introducing the Great Reef Census ( https://greatreefcensus.org/ ), an extraordinary initiative that allows you to engage with thousands of meticulously collected reef photos, offering an unparalleled opportunity to participate in vital conservation work. While the photo collection continues to grow, the power of AI can only go so far. 

That's where you come in! In under a minute, you can join forces with the AI system, working hand in hand to analyze reef

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The Underwater Club with Nicolas Remy
10% discount on the annual subscription to The Underwater Club with promo code SCUBAGOAT

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Love the show?
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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Simon's correct title reads... Professor Simon Mitchell MB ChB, PhD, DipOccMed, DipAdvDHM (ANZCA), FUHM, FANZCA, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Auckland.  This clearly does not fit in the title of this episode however, it goes a LONG way to explaining why Simon is one of the top dogs when it comes to being able to pour a healthy amount of clarity over the common confusions between decompression sickness, decompression illness, and arterial gas embolism.

Simon is a physician and scientist with specialist training in diving medicine and anesthesiology. He is widely published with over 150 papers or book chapters. He co-authored the 5th edition of 'Diving and Subaquatic Medicine' and has two chapters on decompression illness in the most recent edition of Bennett and Elliott. He has twice been Vice President of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Society (USA) and in 2010 received the society’s Behnke Award for contributions to the science of diving and hyperbaric medicine. In the past, Simon was a naval diving medical officer and medical director of the Wesley Centre for Hyperbaric Medicine in Brisbane. He now works as a consultant anaesthetist at Auckland City Hospital, and Professor in Anaesthesiology at the University of Auckland. He provides on-call cover for diving and hyperbaric emergencies at the North Shore Hospital Hyperbaric Unit in Auckland. Simon assumed the role of Editor of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine in January 2019.

Simon’s diving career has included more than 6,000 dives spanning sport, scientific, commercial, and military diving. He has been a lead member of teams that were the first to dive and identify three deep wrecks of high historical significance in Australia and New Zealand. At the time of one of these dives (2002) the 180 m depth represented the deepest wreck dive ever undertaken. He was elected to Fellowship of the Explorers’ Club of New York in 2006, and was the DAN Rolex Diver of the Year in 2015.

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Shearwater
Shearwater dive computers

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Today, we are thrilled to have a distinguished guest with us a man whose passion for diving spans over three decades and has led him to become one of the most skilled technical divers and instructors in the southern hemisphere. Google the name of Pete Mesley, and you'll find his namesake website, which contains his passion in life, two of which are the list first and shocking or big animal diving. And if that's not enough, you'll also find a rundown of all the technical training he has on offer. As a member of the Explorers Club, Pete's love for Wreck diving has taken him to some of the most historically significant sites across the globe, where he has documented them through his stunning photography and his work as a safety diver. Today, we have the pleasure of hearing firsthand from Pete about his experiences as an adventurer, and his unique perspective on the world beneath the waves. So sit back, relax, raise a glass and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Pete Mesley on the Scuba GOAT podcast.

Links:
Lust4Rust website - http://www.lust4rust.co
Shock and Awe diving - http://www.biganimaldiving.com 

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The Underwater Club with Nicolas Remy
10% discount on the annual subscription to The Underwater Club with promo code SCUBAGOAT

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

Support the show

Love the show?
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Want to be a guest on the show?
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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Ladies and gents, welcome to the Scuba GOAT podcast.  Last year at the OzTek dive show in Melbourne, I had the pleasure of meeting Nathalie Lasselin. Our introduction was brief, but it was enough to pique my interest in her inspiring story and make me realize that she needed to be featured on the show.  In this episode, join me as I chat with Nath and uncover her motivations for venturing into the uncharted waters of the Arctic, spending over 30 hours submerged over two consecutive dives, and searching for evidence of the First Nations' presence in Quebec hydro-electric reservoir, Canada, and that's just for starters! 

Get ready to dive deep into the world of underwater exploration and documentary film-making in the next exciting episode featuring Nathalie Lasselin.  

Nathalie is an award-winning film-maker, dive expedition leader, cave and wreck explorer, and instructor with a passion for documenting our planet and raising awareness for our freshwater resources. As a keynote speaker and on-camera talent for TV shows, she shares her love for discovery and empowering people to have a better relationship with their environment. With numerous critically acclaimed films and awards, Nathalie's work has been released in over 25 countries and featured on networks like Discovery and Nat Geo. 

Formally trained as a director of photography, Nathalie casts an inquisitive eye on our blue planet and with Pixnat Productions she documents the captivating exploration of our earth. Her films have been critically acclaimed and have received numerous awards at international festivals as well as being released in over 25 countries. Nathalie regularly organizes small group diving expeditions for surveying, filming, 360 degree photography and other missions through her non-profit organization Aqua Sub Terra Exploration (ASTEX) 

RECOGNITIONS

Women Diver Hall of Fame inductee

Royal Canadian Geographical Society fellow

Explorers club fellow

NATHALIE'S LINKS

FACEBOOK

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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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Welcome to the latest episode of Scuba GOAT! In this episode, we talk to Vanessa Torres Macho and Talia Greis, the founders of Liquid Lens, a project promoting and encouraging women in underwater photography. Vanessa is a 20+ year dive professional and the owner of Underwater Imaging Australia, while Talia is a scuba and photography enthusiast who started diving 7 years ago.

Vanessa and Talia share their love for the oceans and photography, and how they bonded over their passion for scuba diving and underwater photography. They discuss Liquid Lens, their project that aims to showcase the photographs of women alongside their male counterparts on the world stage.

We discuss a variety of photography-related topics including model shoots, commercial photography and the impact of digital cameras, social media and the expectation of free products for influencers.

We also touch upon overseas group expeditions planned and led by Vanessa and Talia.  Matt also highlights his expeditions via his company Nomadic Scuba. So, if you're looking for some exciting scuba and photography trips, be sure to check them out!

 

If you'd like to get in touch or follow Vanessa, Talia or both, hit the links below:

 

Vanessa

Vanessa's website

Vanessa on FB

Aquatic Imaging Australia website

Aquatic Imaging Australia on IG

Aquatic Imaging Australia on FB

 

Talia

Talia's website

Talia on FB

Talia on IG

 

Liquid Lens

Liquid Lens website

Liquid Lens on FB

Liquid Lens on IG

 

And finally,

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Love the show?
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Want to be a guest on the show?
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Dive Travel with Nomadic Scuba
Everyone needs a solid travel buddy… Founded by Matt, Nomadic Scuba is an online booking agency for scuba divers. Chances are, Matt himself will sort out your trip - he’s a bit of a planning geek (and loves it!). Check out Nomadic Scuba today and Breathe life into your adventure!

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