Episode #9 - From the Outback to the Channel with Brendan Cullen
Live Conversation with The Desert SwimmerIn Episode 9 of After Swim, we sat down live with Brendan Cullen for a conversation that went far beyond swimming. Brendan is a farmer based in the Australian outback, a long way from any coastline, yet he set himself the challenge of swimming the English Channel. His journey, captured in The Desert Swimmer, is not just about endurance, but about resilience, identity, and the decision to change direction in life. This was a live and unscripted conversation, and it shows. We spoke about Brendan’s early life growing up in the bush, the challenges he faced along the way, and the pivotal moment in 2015 when he made the decision to ask for help. From there, what started as a small step, watching his brother complete an open water swim, became the catalyst for something much bigger. Training for the English Channel while living hundreds of kilometres from the ocean meant adapting in ways most swimmers never have to consider. Long drives to water, swimming in remote lakes with limited visibility, and hours spent training alone became part of the process. But as Brendan explains, the physical challenge was only one part of the journey. The mental side, learning to manage isolation, self-doubt, and fatigue, became just as important. It’s here that the conversation shifts into something deeper, touching on the role of community, the importance of finding your “why”, and the value of committing to something for yourself. One of the key themes that emerged was simple, but powerful: It’s an idea that applies just as much to life as it does to swimming. Brendan’s story is a reminder that change doesn’t happen all at once. It starts with a decision, often a difficult one, and builds over time through consistent action and support from those around you. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt stuck, challenged, or unsure of what comes next. You can watch the full episode here;
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