#84 The Deep End: What Cold Oceans, Swollen Throats, and the Edge of the Map Reveal About Endurance, Identity, and the Mind’s Breaking Point

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In Part II of our deep conversation, Andy Donaldson takes us into the heart of open water swimming—where the body aches, the mind wanders, and sometimes… things go wrong.

We pick up the story after his return to the sport. But this time, it's different. Andy isn’t chasing medals—he’s chasing meaning. And the path leads him through shark-infested waters, swollen throats, and swims so long and cold they push his body toward shutdown.

In this episode, Andy shares:

What happened during his 15-hour swim across the Molokai Channel that landed him in the hospital
The physical and psychological cost of extreme endurance—and how he prepares for it
How he trained his mind to stay calm through chaos, pain, and fear
Why rest is one of the most underappreciated tools in elite performance
The habits, rituals, and community that help him stay grounded—even as he takes on the world’s hardest swims

This is a conversation about what lives on the other side of burnout—and what it means to build a second act rooted in intention, not just achievement.

Whether you're an athlete, a late bloomer, or someone reevaluating what truly matters… there’s something in this episode for you.

🎧 Listen now and share your thoughts with us.

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