The BiG Scuba Podcast
The BiG Scuba Podcast
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The BiG Scuba Podcast is an independent show dedicated to diving and ocean topics. Hosted by friends Ian and Gemma, it offers a light-hearted take for divers and non-divers alike. The podcast covers dive and marine news with a unique twist, aiming to inspire listeners about scuba diving.
Епизоди
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Episode 227 Rod Macdonald Author & Shipwreck Explorer 18.05.2026 2ч 18минIn this episode, we chat with Rod Macdonald. Rod is an internationally renowned Scottish shipwreck explorer, undersea adventurer, maritime historian, TV personality and best-selling diving author with 13 books about shipwrecks and naval history, the culmination of a lifetime of diving. His beautifully illustrated books are the internationally accepted definitive guides to many world-famous dive locations. He is the author of Dive Scapa Flow, covering the German WWI High Seas Fleet shipwrecks scuttled in Scapa in 1919, Dive Truk Lagoon – the Japanese WWII Pacific shipwrecks, covering the 40 Japanese ships sent to the bottom of the Truk lagoon in Micronesia in February 1944 during a daring 2-day fast carrier raid by U.S. Task Force 58 aircraft codenamed Operation HAILSTONE. He is also the author of Dive Palau – the shipwrecks, the sunken legacy of the follow up Task Force 58 raid, Operation DESECRATE 1, just six weeks later – and a number of naval history books. Rod regularly appears on TV documetaries as a wreck expert, and as a patron of the British & Irleand Chapter of the Explorers Club of New York and has led a number of high profile Explorers Club flagged expeditions to survey shipwrecks around the world. He dived the feared Corryvreckan Whirlpool on the west coast of Scotland! Website : https://rod-macdonald.com Books : https://amzn.eu/d/0bjAJ7m9 The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer. 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 226 Dan Frolec Author of "The Cave" 04.05.2026 1ч 30минIn this episode, we chat with Dan Frolec — diver, adventurer, entrepreneur, and author of The Cave, a gripping true story that blends scuba diving with real-life tragedy and injustice. Dan has been diving for over 30 years, exploring oceans across the globe. But one trip in 2002 to Croatia changed everything. What began as a routine sailing and diving holiday turned into a nightmare when a fellow diver was lost in an underwater cave. Soon after, Dan and a friend were falsely accused of murder and imprisoned, forced to fight for their freedom against shocking claims. Dan shares the story behind The Cave, the emotional toll of the incident, and how he found the strength to keep going. Beyond the book, we also dive into Dan's life journey — from a high-level corporate career in Prague to quitting it all and moving to Bali for a different way of life. Today, he runs his own advisory business, created a fitness programme, and continues to pursue his love for diving, freediving, and adventure. A powerful episode about resilience, truth, and the unexpected paths life can take. Links: Website: www.danfrolec.com Instagram: @danfrolec LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danfrolec/ Book: The Cave – The True Story of Two Mysterious Deaths in an Underwater Labyrinth The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer. 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 225 Mark Greaney No.1 New York Times Bestselling Author 20.04.2026 1ч 34минThe Big Scuba podcast, hosts Ian and Gemma are joined by Mark Greaney. What happens when a world-class thriller writer hits the water? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Greaney, the man behind The Gray Man and the Tom Clancy Jack Ryan series. We discuss his transition from tactical firearms training to recreational scuba diving and how he translates the "inner space" of the ocean into high-octane thriller scenes. About Mark Greaney Mark is a #1 New York Times bestselling author with a background in international relations and political science. His commitment to authenticity has led him to: Travel to 35+ countries for book research. Train with military/law enforcement in tactics and battlefield medicine. Collaborate directly with Tom Clancy on titles like Locked On and Command Authority. See his debut novel, The Gray Man, become a major motion picture starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans. https://markgreaneybooks.com/ https://www.instagram.com/MarkGreaneyBooks/ https://www.facebook.com/MarkGreaneyBooks The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving!Auto-Trail - Discover the new collection from the UK's leading motorhome and campervan manufacturer. 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 224 Will Appleyard & Núria Paré Soldevila 06.04.2026 1ч 45минIn Episode 224 of the Big Scuba podcast, hosts Ian and Gemma are joined by Will Appleyard and Núria Paré Soldevila. Will Appleyard is the creative eye behind Amphibious. His background spans a wide range of hands-on work, shaped by years of experience in diving, outdoor projects and adventure-based environments. Will has also been a brand ambassador for O'Three for over a decade. Alongside award winning filmmaking, he is also the author of several books, including Dorset Dives and Wild & Tempered Seas, and as an underwater photographer, has spent over a decade as contributor to several diving magazines and platforms. These past experiences continue to inform his visual and narrative approach, grounding his work in authenticity and a strong connection to the sea Núria Paré Soldevila works with Amphibious on subtitles, translation and story support. She has worked for many years with language, both as a translator and as an English teacher in an audio-visual vocational training programme. She collaborates on documentary projects by interviewing contributors, subtitling and translating content, and supporting the storytelling process from behind the scenes, helping each story remain clear, coherent and true to its voice. Amphibious is an award-winning independent documentary collective focused on nature-based storytelling, working both above and below the water. Their work combines strong visuals with thoughtful, human-centred narratives. Their most recent film "Voices Of Pura Vida", filmed in Costa Rica, has won several awards and is listed on IMDB. The Paragliding documentaries have not only won awards but one has even been broadcast on Spanish TV. Voices Of Pura Vida has been selected to be screened at the Lisbon Underwater Film Festival on 13th Feb 2026. Websites: https://www.amphibiouscollective.com/ https://www.willappleyard.com/ Instagram: @willappleyard @amphibious_collective YouTube: Will Appleyard The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores:Circular & Co – use our code BIGSCUBA Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks - use our code THEBIGSCUBA2026 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 223 Miranda and Ollie Krestovnikoff 23.03.2026 1ч 35минIn Episode 223 of the Big Scuba podcast, hosts Ian and Gemma are joined by TV presenter Miranda Krestovnikoff and her son, Ollie, to discuss the dynamics of a "diving family." The conversation explores how diving became a central part of their household, with Miranda's daughter, Emily, recently working as a Dive Master and Ollie emerging as an enthusiastic advocate for the sport. Miranda reflects on the natural progression of her children into diving, noting that while their upbringing made it almost inevitable, it was always rooted in a genuine, positive choice. Ollie's introduction to the underwater world was remarkably early, having first used a regulator at just three years old. He attributes his passion not only to his mother's career but to a shared family interest that included his father's love for snorkeling and his siblings' early certifications. This upbringing involved family holidays centered around diving clubs, allowing the children to build their skills alongside their parents. Now a teenager, Ollie is focused on encouraging other young people to overcome their hesitations and try the sport for themselves. Beyond recreational trips to locations like Grenada and the Philippines, the family remains active in marine conservation, frequently participating in underwater clean-ups with groups like "Neptune's Army." Miranda notes the welcoming nature of the diving community, which has consistently supported her children as fellow divers rather than just observers. More about Grenada : https://www.puregrenada.com/ Madagascar with Operation Wallacea : https://www.opwall.com/location/madagascar/ Neptune's Army of Rubbish Cleaners : https://www.narcdiving.org.uk/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 222 The Go Diving Show 2026 09.03.2026 2ч 10минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast are on location at The Go Diving Show 2026. We carry out a number of ten minute interviews in our Auto-Trail Campervan, the Expedition 68 XL as well as carrying interviews out around the exhibition halls and we have a couple of voice mails from some friends we saw at the podcast too. Campervan Interviews: Dominic Robinson https://www.youtube.com/@DeepWreckDiver James Neal https://www.facebook.com/JamesNealDiver/ Grace & Ant Westgarth https://gracewestgarth.com/grace-westgarth https://www.facebook.com/scutter.ant/ Andy Peters https://www.youtube.com/@Deepbluefpv Jake Davies https://jakeddavies1996.wixsite.com/jdscuba Whatsapp Voicemails: David Mason https://www.youtube.com/@TheCavecrawler Meg https://www.pandorasboxeft.com/ Exhibition Hall Interviews: Dean Martin, Dynamicnord https://dynamicnord.com/ Dive with Jimmy https://divewithjimmy.com/ Alex Griffiths, Fourth Element https://fourthelement.com/?fesalt=FEWSPFVIVKRKRSD Tom Wright, O'Three https://www.othree.co.uk/ Brent Hudson, Narked at 90 https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 221 Narked at 90 Brent Hudson & John Routley 16.02.2026 2чThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to John Routley and Brent Hudson, the names behind Narked at 90. Brent and John are the founders of Narked at 90 and discuss their transition from hobbyist divers to leaders in the technical diving industry. They describe a history of innovating bespoke equipment, such as rebreathers and high-intensity strobes, often born from personal necessity and a drive for engineering mastery. They both have experienced several "sketchy" situations during their extensive technical diving careers,. Their narrowest escapes involve equipment failures, entanglements, and high-pressure decision- making at depth. These experiences shaped their ethos that "copying skips understanding" and led them to focus on creating highly reliable, redundant equipment for the technical diving community Beyond diving, the duo detail their significant contributions to military defense projects and their vital role in producing ventilator control systems during the COVID-19 pandemic. The conversation highlights the importance of rigorous equipment testing, the evolution of diving electronics, and the value of recovering maritime artifacts to preserve social history. Ultimately, the founders advocate for professional mentorship and the continuous pursuit of safety within the niche global diving community. The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 🔗 Other Links covered in this episode: Snorklefest 25 July 2026 at Springlakes Call for more information New Dive Site Dudley Dolphins Lodge Farm Reservoir Netherton Lundy Diving Female only Swim with the seals Find out more Visit the European Dive Show Look at the website Our Library of Diving Books Amazon Book Store 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 220 Sea-changers 02.02.2026 1ч 35минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to Helen Webb MBE and Rachel Lopata MBE. Both are British marine conservationists and co-founders of Sea‑Changers, a volunteer-led UK charity supporting marine protection projects. Helen founded the organization in 2010 with Rachel Lopata. Since 2010, the charity has distributed grants to over 500 projects across the country, helping protect the UK's seas, shores, and wildlife. Rachel and Helen were awarded an MBE in the King's 2023 Birthday Honours for their services to marine conservation. Outside her conservation work, Helen is a management training consultant specialising in Equality Diversity and Inclusion. She is a qualified PADI Divemaster, though she has never worked as a diving professional. Alongside her voluntary charitable work, Rachel has over 30 years' experience in social and market research, previously founding Community Research. Rachel is also a qualified PADI Rescue Diver. The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 🔗 Other Links covered in this episode: Its our 6th Birthday on 4 Feb 2026! Listen to our first interview here: Listen here to the First Episode 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 219 Project Seagrass 19.01.2026 1ч 31минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to Leanne Cullen-Unsworth. Leanne is an interdisciplinary marine scientist with over 20 year's experience working collaboratively with people and communities to help conserve and restore nature. She plays a pivotal role within Project Seagrass leading programmes that help to understand the connections between people and the environment. Project Seagrass Overview: Established in 2013 by a group of seagrass scientists, Project Seagrass is a global facing marine conservation organisation securing a future for seagrass. They do this by creating, empowering, and collaborating with communities; by leading, championing and communicating scientific research; and taking direct action to map, conserve, and restore seagrass meadows globally. Project Seagrass seek to reach a world in which seagrass meadows are thriving, abundant, and well managed for people and planet. The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 🔗 Other Links covered in this episode: Watch our interview with Mike Fincke Watch on You Tube 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 218 Reflections of 2025 05.01.2026 50минIn this special year-end episode, The BiG Scuba Duo — Gemma and Ian — look back on everything that made 2025 an unforgettable year. They share impressive podcast milestones, including how many countries around the world the show has been downloaded in and highlight the amazing guests who joined them throughout the year. Dive in as Gemma and Ian recount their wet and wonderful adventures — from breath-taking dives beneath the surface to exciting events, shows and destinations explored both in and out of the water. Whether it was discovering new dive sites, meeting fellow ocean lovers, or sharing stories from the deep, this episode celebrates all the moments that shaped the year. Tune in for a splash of stats, stories, and the watery wonders of 2025! The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Hapi Bottles Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 217 Jason Pritchard 22.12.2025 2ч 1минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian chat to Jason Pritchard. Adventure has always been at the heart of who Jason is. Ever since His first dive back in 2009, he has been captivated by the mysteries of the ocean — from uncovering hidden wrecks to exploring the unknown. What started as curiosity soon became a calling. By 2018, Jason had earned his certification as a professional instructor, and today, as a PADI Course Director. He is very proud to help shape the next generation of divers through calm, safety-first guidance and real-world experience. For Jason, shipwrecks are the ultimate adventure. Each one tells a story, a blend of history, danger, and discovery frozen in time beneath the waves. Diving isn't just a pastime; it's stepping into another world, one where every shadow might hold a secret waiting to be found. In 2022, he faced his toughest challenge yet: a life-threatening bend caused by a PFO. That experience could have ended his diving journey, but instead, it reshaped it. It taught him discipline, patience, and a deep sense of gratitude for every single dive he makes. These days, Jason is diving deeper, exploring legendary wrecks like Scapa Flow, advancing his technical diving, and preparing for the next frontier: rebreathers. Jason recently become Sidemount qualified, adding another level of flexibility and efficiency to his dives. Beneath the waves, Jason finds peace, focus, and an endless sense of wonder. No matter how far he travels or how deep he explores, Jason will never lose sight of the simple joy of discovery. Every puddle, big or small, holds its own adventure. That spirit of curiosity keeps Jason pushing boundaries, chasing secrets, and living the ultimate underwater journey. Social Media Links Insta/Tiktok @jason_inthe_argonaut , Insta @themidlandsidc, FB @Jason Pritchard The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Hapi Bottles Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 216 Midlands Dive Chamber 08.12.2025 1ч 14минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian visit the Midlands Diving Chamber and experience a 40 meter Dry Dive in the Chamber. They also sit down with Sally Cartwright, Chamber Manager and Carolyn Peel, Chamber Hyperbaric Doctor and hear more about what happens at the Midlands Dive Chamber. The Midlands Diving Chamber, a Hyperbaric decompression chamber offering NHS funded recompression to divers with Decompression Sickness (DCS) together with other Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) treatments. Midlands Diving Chamber specialises in Diving Medicine and provides a 24 hour centre with everything a diver could need from a medical facility. They also offer medicals too. To find out more follow Scott here: Midlands Dive Chamber The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBAWaterhaul link Hapi Bottles Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 215 West Coast Diving Scott Divitt 24.11.2025 2ч 1минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian sit down with Scott Divitt, owner of West Coast Diving in Irvine, Ayrshire, Scotland. His whole life has been about the water. It started as a kid, messing about with boats and sailing, which led him straight into the Royal Navy after secondary school. After leaving the navy Scott started working as an ROV Pilot, and now works freelance as an ROV Supervisor. He gets paid to drive robots and manage operations in tough marine environments! On the fun side, Scott is a massive fan of diving, especially sidemount. He is a RAID Instructor for both regular and sidemount diving, and loves showing people what an amazing underwater world we have. When Scott is not teaching or guiding super-yacht dives on Scotland's west coast, he ca be found in the workshop. Thanks to his long engineering background, he expertly handles the technical side of the business, testing cylinders and servicing dive gear. Scotts background gives his a pretty unique take on diving. Whether it's the high-tech demands of his day job or teaching a new diver, it all comes back to a lifelong love for the ocean. To find out more follow Scott here: Facebook West Coast Diving Instagram West Coast Diving West Coast Diving Website https://www.facebook.com/share/1CRwdq7JWj/ Gemma and Ian have a catch up before chatting to Scott and cover the new attraction at Stoney Cove, a train carriage that will be sunk to a depth of 22 meters. Read more about this here. We had the pleasure of attending the Ocean Film Festival at the UEA in Norwich and you can read more about the films we saw here : Read about the 7 films. We are also excited about our visit to Midlands Dive Chamber and going on a dry dive as well as talking to the team about the importance of the facility. We also talk about the 52 litre Adventure Kit Box from Waterhaul and how useful it will be for diving gear. Take a look here :Waterhaul link The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Hapi Bottles Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 214 James Soos Dive with Jimmy 10.11.2025 1ч 44минThis week on The BiG Scuba Podcast, Gemma and Ian sit down with James Soos — British Army veteran, technical diving instructor, and founder of Dive With Jimmy, a thriving dive centre based in Bedfordshire. James has led teams during his military career and has dived all over the world. As an instructor with both BSAC and SSI, he teaches everything from recreational diving right through to advanced technical and closed-circuit rebreather courses. Qualified to dive to 100 metres on both open and closed circuit, he has also worked as Cruise Director in some of the planet's most iconic dive destinations, including Truk Lagoon and Bikini Atoll. In this episode, James shares his passion for diving, the joy he brings to every course and expedition, and the stories behind his global adventures. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with someone who truly lives and breathes the underwater world. Find out more about James Soos here :https://www.divewithjimmy.com/ Previous epidode when we spoke to James before he started the dive centre : https://www.thebigscuba.com/podcast/episode/2964b1ef/dive-with-jimmy We also discuss the BSAC The Annual Diving Incident Report : https://www.bsac.com/document/bsac-diving-incidents-report-2024/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice.💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Waterhaul link Hapi Bottles Stream to Sea McConks use our code THEBIGSCUBA2025 Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 213 Nick Schiller – Sidemount Diver and WW2 Whaleback Boat Recovery 27.10.2025 2ч 27минThis week, the BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Nick Schiller. Nick is a keen lover of being on and under the water. He is a sidemount diver and an assistant BSAC instructor. He has dived extensively in the UK as well as Egypt, Iceland, Mexico and Tobago. He loves diving with a scooter and is keen on helping people out removing tarpaulins, ropes, etc form props, searching for mobile phones and wedding rings. So that's how he got involved with S32 - a phone call "could you just come and inspect a sunken WW2 air sea rescue boat for us?" - a year later and Nick is very involved in trying to save the MASB S32 Whaleback. He is currently, taking a break from diving as a result of the accident on Sea Palling beach involving a boat but ready to return to diving next year. More about Nick : linkedin.com/in/nschiller Whaleback Revovery: https://asrwhaleback.com/ BBC Coverage : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cql2wzdkp24o Facebook Detail : https://www.facebook.com/groups/angliandivers/posts/8468685639852662/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 212 Jo Moseley 13.10.2025 1ч 37минEpisode 212 Jo Moseley Paddleboarder, Diver and Author This week, the BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Jo Moseley. Jo Moseley, 60, is a bestselling award winning author of three books about paddleboarding.. At university in Scotland she also learned to dive, becoming her university club captain and qualifying as a BSAC Dive Leader in the late 80s. The west coast of Scotland was a favourite diving location. Jo loves wild swimming, touring the UK in her van called, Summer and does a 2 minute beach clean every day. One of her goals is to learn to freedive! Website www.jomoseley.com Instagram @jomoseley @thejoyofsuppodcast_ Facebook Jo Moseley The Joy of SUP Podcast Public email jomoseley@yahoo.com Links to books: www.adventurebooks.com Other Links discussed in the podcast: McConks Paddleboards : https://mcconks.com/ Use Code THEBIGSCUBA2025 for a discount Diverstime and West Lake Diving Site : Go dive at West Lake - Take a look Lundy Diving and Channel Swim : Donate to Gemmas Channel Swim The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Fourth Element: Fourth Element Website Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba YouTube : Watch The BiG scuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 211 Diving in the Farne Islands 22.09.2025 42минThis week, the BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian bring a roving report from their Sept 2025 trip to Seahouses and diving around the Farne Islands off the North East coast of the UK. Our local dive centre Christal Seas Scuba Norwich organised the trip using the dive boat services of Sovereign Diving. We mention our stop off on the way to Seahouses to see the On Freedom Wings monument. This is a full-sized, steel representation of an Avro Lancaster Bomber, elevated 15 meters high to create the illusion of flight, located on the border of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire, England The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at mailto:thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store – use our code BIGSCUBA Amazon Store Patreon – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: @thebigscuba Facebook: @thebigscuba LinkedIn: Ian 🦈 Last 🌐 Website: www.thebigscuba.com 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 210 Our adventures in Lundy & under Swanage Pier 01.09.2025 29минEpisode 210 – Our Adventures in Lundy and Under Swanage Pier This week, the BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian, along with Scuba Honey, head to Ilfracombe to board the Barbara B with Lundy Diving for some unforgettable underwater adventures with the playful seals of Lundy Island. You can find out more at: https://www.lundydiving.co.uk/ From there, our journey continues to South Devon, where we dive Chesil Cove, catch up with Colin at DIR Direct (https://www.dirdirect.com/), and bump into our good friend Dave Mason enjoying the local waters. Along the way, we give shout-outs to Glen Barnes from the Seahorse Dive Club (https://seahorsediveclub.uk/), coastal hikers (and fellow divers!) Rhianna and Ed, and Liam from Divers Time (https://diverstime.com/) who shares tales of his own South Devon adventures. A big thank you also goes to the Swanage Pier Trust for looking after us with parking and pier access: https://www.members-swanagepiertrust.com/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is proudly supported by Narked at 90 – "Beyond Technical." Whether you're new to diving or thinking about moving into tech, they can help guide you with the best kit and advice. Visit: https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link 💬 We'd love your feedback! Leave us a ★★★★★ review, share with your dive buddies, and get in touch via our socials or at thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com. 👉 Check out our affiliate links and stores: Insta360 Store: https://store.insta360.com/ – use our code BIGSCUBA Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast – support the show and keep us diving! 📲 Follow us on socials: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebigscuba/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebigscuba/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ Website: https://www.thebigscuba.com/ 🎧 Listen to The BiG Scuba Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, SoundCloud, Stitcher, and all major platforms. ISSN: 2752-6127
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Episode 209 The BiG Auto-Trail road trip and diving adventures 18.08.2025 59минThe BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian report live from their road trip to Seahouses, Northumberland and diving adventures around the Farne Islands with Serentiy Farne Island Boat Tours https://farneislandstours.co.uk/ They also visit https://diverstime.com/ and catch up with Scoobs at the Dive Shack and have a dive in West Lake to see the new attractions. Gemma and Ian drove the Auto-Trail Excel 620g throughout the trip and give a review of the motorhome… safe to say they loved it! https://www.auto-trail.co.uk/discover-the-award-winning-auto-trail-excel-range/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90. "Beyond Technical" If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast. Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference. Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com Take a look at the Insta3620 Store https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link BIGSUCBA We are on Instagram @thebigscuba We are on Facebook @thebigscuba We are in LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. 🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀. ISSN Number 2752-612
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Episode 208 Barry McGill Technical Diver & Deep Wreck Photographer 28.07.2025 1ч 55минThe BiG Scuba Duo, Gemma and Ian chat to Barry McGill. Barry McGill is a deep wreck photographer and CCR instructor trainer with Indepth Technical. His main area of focus is exploration of deep-water shipwrecks around the Irish coastline, and he has been fortunate enough to discover and explore many significant previously undiscovered shipwrecks. Exploring iconic shipwrecks such as the R.M.S. Justicia, H.M.S. Audacious and R.M.S. Lusitania has left a significant impression on Barry, which helped develop his desire to discover and explore shipwrecks. Barry aims to share his passion for shipwreck exploration by capturing and sharing his images of many previously unphotographed shipwrecks including R.M.S. Amazon, H.M.S. Viknor and H.M.S. D6. Barry has also been part of many international shipwreck expeditions, most recently in September 2021 where he formed part of an international team of divers who undertook the first internal exploration of HMHS Britannic which lies in 120 m of water in the Kea Channel in Greece. This expedition was funded by the Explorers Club and aimed to document key internal elements of the ship which had never been accessed by divers previously. https://www.instagram.com/barrymcgill/ https://www.facebook.com/barry.mcgill.125 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbH2StdHWo0P-ARfjmxjPeQ https://indepthtechnical.ie/ The BiG Scuba Podcast is brought to you by Narked at 90. "Beyond Technical" If you are thinking of moving across to tech diving or completely new to diving, Narked at 90 can advise and guide on the best equipment and set up for your personal or commercial requirements https://www.narkedat90.com/?affiliate_code=p42PzCC8sx&referring_service=link We hope you have enjoyed this episode of The BiG Scuba Podcast. Please give us ★★★★★ review, and tell your friends and share and like, it all makes a difference. Contact Gemma and Ian with your messages, ideas and feedback via our media links or email thebigscubapodcast@gmail.com Take a look at the Insta3620 Store https://store.insta360.com/ and use our affiliate link BIGSUCBA We are on Instagram @thebigscuba We are on Facebook @thebigscuba We are in LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian%F0%9F%A6%88-last-325b101b7/ The BiG Scuba Website www.thebigscuba.com Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/thebigscuba Visit https://www.patreon.com/thebigscubapodcast and subscribe - Super quick and easy to do and it makes a massive difference. Thank you. 🎧You can listen to the BiG Scuba Podcast on all major podcast platforms including …. iTunes, SoundCloud, Spotify and Stitcher 😀. ISSN Number 2752-6127