Alchemy Podcast - A Freediver's Odyssey

Explicit content warning

09/29/23 • 74 min

We are delighted to present our special guest today, Gary McGrath. Gary is a renowned deep freediver, holding the British National Record and serving as an instructor in this exhilarating sport. In his favorite discipline, monofin (CWT), Gary achieved an astounding record of -112 meters on a single breath. This remarkable feat was accomplished during the summer of 2022 at the prestigious Vertical Blue freediving competition in the Bahamas, often referred to as the Wimbledon of freediving.

In this episode, we delve into profound topics. We engage in an open conversation about mental health issues and depression, subjects rarely discussed among athletes who consistently perform at their peak. Gary's philosophy on deep freediving, characterized by a strong emphasis on safety, has developed over 15 years and is viewed as a lifelong journey. His gradual approach included a leisurely descent to -100 meters to celebrate his 40th birthday last year, preparing his mind for the eventual national record. Now, he stands poised for even greater achievements.

Additionally, we provide valuable training insights, including Gary's preferred supplements to maintain peak physical condition during intense training and effective warm-up techniques you can incorporate into your routine.

It is our honor to introduce you to Gary, a person we deeply respect, a cherished friend, and a guiding mentor. Gary possesses one of the most resilient mental fortitudes in the world of freediving.

It is our honor to introduce you to Gary, a person we deeply respect, a cherished friend, and a guiding mentor. Gary possesses one of the most resilient mental fortitudes in the world of freediving.

Previous Episode

Alchemy Podcast - Pursue Your Passion

In this episode, we have the pleasure of hosting Stefan Randig, a renowned German freediver who has lived in various parts of the world, including Egypt and the Philippines. Stefan previously owned the well-known school "Freedive Panglao" in the Philippines, but sold it before the COVID-19 pandemic and relocated to Dahab, Egypt with his family to focus on teaching, training, and spending time with his loved ones.

As an accomplished athlete with multiple German records and an instructor trainer, Stefan recently participated in the Vertical Blue competition and is now training hard to achieve his goal of an 80-meter no fins dive. During our conversation with him in Dahab, we delved into the challenges of balancing family life with the rigorous demands of being a competitive diver and elite athlete. We discussed the necessary level of self-centeredness required for success in athletics and the accompanying feelings of guilt. Stefan's experience can serve as a source of inspiration for any freedivers who are passionate about the sport but also want to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Tune in to the Alchemy Podcast to hear more from Stefan Randig.

Next Episode

Alchemy Podcast - Medical Perspectives On Freediving

Welcome back to the Alchemy Podcast, the only freediving podcast out there where we dig (and dive) deep into questions and topics most don’t want to discuss. I am your host Luca Malaguti, a proud Alchemy ambassador, professional athlete and record holder. Tday we have the opportunity to sit down with none other than Jani Valdivia, whom I consider a “gem” to the freediving world.

Jani is a medical doctor, neurosurgeon, deep freediver, and Peruvian record holder...and I’ll stop there since his CV and accomplishments continue for pages. Jani advises the medical community on freediving, he sits on the board of important organizations like DAN.org for critical research in our sport. Without him, competitions and organizations like AIDA and CMAS would not know how to apply the latest safety and medical standards in world championships.

He is the one bridging the freediving community and medical community on the spirit, safety and health of our sport. Providing insights and knowledge in order to break down stereotypes such as the incorrectly perceived dangers of freediving.

Please sit back and enjoy this episode.