What is Purposeful Swimming? Matt Moseley's Aquatic Mission. EP 283

Champion's Mojo for Masters Swimmers

This episode has one of the best comeback stories ever! It's filled with genuine emotion and inspiration and will have you thinking about the purpose of your next swim. Matt Moseley — a man whose life is fueled by purpose, storytelling, and water. From boardrooms to backstrokes, Matt is not just a world-record open water swimmer, but also a strategic communications expert, environmental advocate, and author of his recently released book, Soul is Waterproof.

By day, Matt runs the Ignition Strategy Group, guiding high-stakes campaigns for clients like Johnny Depp, the Colorado Senate, and American Rivers. By sunrise, he's logging record-breaking swims through some of the planet’s most challenging waters — all with a mission: to protect our rivers and reconnect us with what truly sustains life.

In this rich and emotional conversation, Matt shares:

• How he uses extreme swims to raise awareness for clean water and river conservation
• The story behind his 25-mile Lake Pontchartrain swim and the jazz musicians who accompanied him from a boat
• His inspiring recovery from a devastating leg injury and painkiller dependency
• Why open water swimmers are uniquely positioned to be powerful advocates for our planet’s water
• His work overturning Colorado’s felony murder statute and collaborating with Hunter S. Thompson and Johnny Depp
• How mental conditioning and purposeful goals helped him conquer some of life’s darkest moments

Matt’s message is clear: We’re not just athletes—we’re ambassadors. Whether you’re swimming 25 miles or simply wading into a local stream, your story can ripple outward and make a difference.

Resources & Mentions:

• Matt Moseley’s new book: Soul is Waterproof
• Learn more about American Rivers: www.americanrivers.org
• Dear Dr. Thompson (Matt’s book about Hunter S. Thompson’s advocacy and legacy)
• The WOWSA (World Open Water Swimming Association)
• The Ignition Strategy Group: www.ignitionstrategygroup.com

Email us at [email protected]. Opinions discussed are not medical advice, please seek a medical professional for your own health concerns.

Chapters

1. Meet Matt Mosley: Swimmer and Advocate (00:00:00)

2. Water Crisis: Our Most Critical Issue (00:04:16)

3. Soul is Waterproof: Swimming with Purpose (00:09:30)

4. Mental Conditioning for Extreme Swims (00:16:45)

5. Comeback Story: Overcoming Devastating Injury (00:21:55)

6. Finding Purpose Through Water Advocacy (00:32:49)

7. Becoming Water Ambassadors and Taking Action (00:41:27)