The Freediving Podcast

In this episode of The Freediving Podcast, Renee Blundon explores the power of simply starting - whether it's freediving, learning, or pursuing a dream. From post-training reflections over a chocolate sea salt RX bar to deep insights on time, transformation, and Carl Jung's idea of circumambulation, Renee shares how beginnings, no matter how small, shape the path forward.
She reflects on her own journey in freediving, from struggling with equalization at 8 meters to teaching in four countries, and on the universal lessons carried by her students: courage, loss, resilience, and renewal. Through these stories, she reveals how showing up, dive after dive, step after step, creates transformation.
Tune in for reflections on time, regret, and what it means to truly live - and discover why the most important lesson is this: start today, start now.
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In this episode, we dive deep into the concept of safety in freediving, exploring how it's not just about avoiding danger, but about fostering awareness, planning, and mindful presence. I share insights from my training session, where I attempt a maximum distance dive in dynamic apnea. Freediving, as I've come to understand, requires a unique blend of technical precision, mental focus, and a safety mindset developed over time.
The episode delves into the three essential phases of safety in freediving: mental preparation, handling challenges during the dive, and, if needed, rescue by a safety diver. Through personal reflections and moments of mindfulness, I discuss how these principles apply not only underwater but also in navigating life's uncertainties. Freediving has taught me to embrace the present, push boundaries safely, and seek awareness over fear—lessons that can transcend into every part of life.
Whether you're a seasoned freediver or someone seeking inspiration on the importance of resilience and mindfulness, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore what it means to go beyond "safe" and step into a life truly lived, fully alive.
Timestamps: 
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
01:02 The Philosophy of Freediving
01:31 Journal Entry: Safety Diver 3rd
02:18 The Three Phases of Freediving Safety
03:51 Preparing for the Dive
05:25 The Dive Experience
07:25 Mindfulness and Freediving
09:56 Post-Dive Reflections
12:33 Applying Freediving Lessons to Life
15:16 Conclusion and Farewell
You can join the open source information network for this podcast at: 
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My contact information:
[email protected]
SOCIAL MEDIA
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Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/

In this episode, we explore the deep connection between freediving and personal growth, reflecting on what it means to follow an instinctual passion without needing a rational reason. Renee Blundon shares personal insights from returning to freediving after a break and the profound sense of peace it brings. By focusing on the art of doing one thing at a time - whether in the water or in life - the episode reveals how practicing mindfulness can enhance your relationships and overall well-being.
Renee discusses the mental toughness and physical awareness required in freediving, especially during moments of solitude underwater. Lessons learned from past mistakes and the importance of conditioning one's mind through visualization are emphasized as key elements to success in freediving and life.
As the competition season winds down, Renee reflects on how stepping back fuels a deep longing to compete again, while also appreciating the simplicity and joy of daily pool training. The episode explores how freediving as an art form is a powerful form of self-expression, and though often unseen by others, it provides a unique freedom and sense of being truly oneself. This meditative practice becomes a metaphor for living with purpose, even when the purpose is not fully understood.
You can join the open source information network for this podcast at: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/
To subscribe to my Friday 5 newsletter visit: https://www.reneeblundon.com/friday-5/
My contact information:
[email protected]
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneeblundon/
Website: https://www.reneeblundon.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reneelblundon
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneeblundon.official
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/

This episode about the Apnea Squats Challenge, an AWESOME dry training for freediving to prepare the legs for constant weight freediving and dynamic apnea in the pool.
To do this training, you always start with a static apnea breath-hold sitting on a chair (minimum 60 seconds static) and then do as many squats as you can (must be a 90 degree angle minimum). REPEAT TWICE. 5 times per week.
The breathe-up is tidal breathing + 2 purge breaths, and then one full breath. No more than that.
This training is unique because it goes by a point system. You get 1 point per second of breath-hold and 5 points per squat. My goal was to get 350-450 points in the first week, which I achieved on the 3rd session. (Totally up to you what you want to set your goal to.)
The badges for the Apnea Squats Challenge are:
Green badge = 200 points
Blue badge = 300 points
Red badge = 400 points
Gold badge = 500 points
If you have a good static apnea breath-hold time, you may want to consider doing a longer static apnea (i.e. 2-3 minutes static apnea), before doing the squats. You may be able to get more points that way. It's just not allowed to do less than a 60 second breath-hold, but you can always do longer ;)

Resources / References:
Florian Dagoury's Instagram
You can join the open source information network for this podcast at: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/
To subscribe to my Friday 5 newsletter visit: https://www.reneeblundon.com/friday-5/
My contact information:
[email protected]
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneeblundon/
Website: https://www.reneeblundon.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reneelblundon
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Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/

Today is day 1 of my 2022 freediving season. It's been almost two weeks since the Freediving World Cup competition, which marked the end of my 2021 season, and now I'm excited to apply all of the new insights I've learned throughout this year. Today I begin base training, starting with a swimming training session, designed by my coach Florian Dagoury. This training is aimed to stretch the ribcage, train the muscles to use O2 slower with less lactic, providing a mild CO2 workout. I like it because it also gets you super fit!!

Go to reneeblundon.com for the swim training program and show notes.
Resources / References:
Florian Dagoury's Instagram
You can join the open source information network for this podcast at: 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/
To subscribe to my Friday 5 newsletter visit: https://www.reneeblundon.com/friday-5/
My contact information:
[email protected]
SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneeblundon/
Website: https://www.reneeblundon.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/reneelblundon
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneeblundon.official
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thefreedivingpodcast/