In this episode, Al interviews Dr. Mark Harper, attending anesthesiologist in the UK and Norway, researcher, and author (recorded 7-18-23). Dr. Harper describes how, although keeping patients warm during surgery was a significant part of his job, he drew a fascination towards cold-water swimming and its impact on one's mental health.

Dr. Harper describes the research that he has been a part of in the area of cold-water swimming and the future of the research. He describes the benefits, as well as the precautions, of cold-water swimming. Dr. Harper also shares with the listeners about Mental Health Swims, a mental health peer support community that hosts free, safe, and inclusive swim meet ups and Chill UK, a nonprofit that provides courses in cold-water swimming to improve mental health.

Finally, Dr. Harper describes his book: Chill: The Cold Water Swim Cure. To learn more about Dr. Harper, check out his website at drmarkharper.com. You'll can also find Dr. Harper on Twitter @WildSwimDoctor and Instagram @TheWildSwimDoctor.

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