Strangers on a Bench EPISODE 17: Cold Water and The Edge
Jan 6, 2025
Tom Rosenthal chats with an anonymous stranger who shares a fascinating passion for cold water swimming and its mental health benefits. They delve into the joys of nocturnal swims and how such routines emerged during lockdown. The stranger discusses the challenges of modern parenting, particularly around mental health, and the importance of non-traditional education in personal growth. Their reflections touch on creativity, the thrill of stepping outside comfort zones, and finding beauty in everyday moments, all infused with a light-hearted spirit.
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Lockdown Swimming
- The speaker and a musician friend began swimming illegally during lockdown.
- They enjoyed the quiet, dark mornings and the unique perspective of London it offered.
Arts in Education
- The speaker believes children should prioritize art, music, and relationships over rote memorization.
- They find it frustrating that arts are often viewed as mere amusement in education.
Children Being Alive
- When asked what they're most pleased about with their children, the speaker initially struggles.
- They eventually say that their children being alive is an achievement, given their experience with youth suicide.