S1E11: Tapping Into Ocean Superpowers – With Lizzi Larbalestier

The Chat The Guest: Lizzi Larbalestier Ocean Advocate, Blue Health Coach, Seal Rescuer, and Water Whisperer The Chat Tapping Into Ocean Superpowers Childhood by the Sea Lizzi recalls her upbringing on the Cornish coast, where rockpools, dunes, and butterflies sparked her first connections with nature. Freedom to explore, often with little supervision, rooted her deep love of wild spaces and an early awareness of environmental care. From Corporate World to Coastline Her career began in retail and people development, but she was always drawn back to the ocean. Alongside corporate work, she trained in NLP, executive coaching, and animal rescue, building a toolkit of skills to explore behaviour, change, and communication. Creating a Blue Health Practice In 2009 Lizzi established her coaching practice in Cornwall. Over time, the ocean became central to her work, shifting her focus from performance outcomes to nature-centred transformation. Blue Health coaching was born: an approach that blends science, story, and embodied wisdom. One Hat: Living Blue Health For Lizzi, there is no division between personal and professional. Whether rescuing seals, leading beach cleans, or teaching yoga, it all falls under one hat: Blue Health. Her philosophy centres on reciprocity, recognising that humans are part of nature, not separate from it. The Power of Water Through concepts like “embodied water” and the eco-attention wave, Lizzi explains how water shapes every living system. From our cells to our seas, dissolving the boundary between self and nature opens the way for clarity, compassion, and wiser choices. Breath, Poetry, and Awe Breathing connects our inner and outer worlds, anchoring us in presence. Poetry and cadence stir emotions and deepen connection, while awe in nature expands our perspective and nurtures prosocial behaviour. Together, these tools dissolve stress and invite wonder. Seals, Walruses, and Hope Lizzi shares powerful stories from marine rescue, including her time with Wally the wandering walrus. These encounters reveal both the fragility and resilience of nature. Despite climate challenges, she finds hope in shared struggles, collective action, and the reminder that we are the wave. Top Achievable Tips Learn about the ocean – we understand what we are taught, we love what we know, and we protect what we love Breathe – connect your inner world with the outer world, and question the ripple effect Mini beach clean or street clean – do this as a “beautiful act” rather than a social media post, and make it a habit Dial up your plant-based meals – choose seasonal foods and avoid ultra-processed substitutes Question your investments – check what your pension or energy supplier is funding and make a switch if needed Evidence The Restorative Benefits of Nature: Toward an Integrative Framework – Research article by Stephen Kaplan Awe, the Small Self, and Prosocial Behaviour – Research article by Paul K. Piff The Emotional and Rewarding Aspects of Poetry Reading – Research article by Eugen Wassiliwizky Blue Mind: The Surprising Science That Shows How Being Near, In, On, or Under Water Can Make You Happier, Healthier, More Connected, and Better at What You Do – Book by Wallace J. Nichols mBraining: Using Your Multiple Brains to Do Cool Stuff – Book by Grant Soosalu and Marvin Oka What One Thing Can We Do Today to Make a Better Tomorrow? Take yourself to water in any form and remember that this water has been here since the dawn of time and will be here long after us. Ask: how might acknowledging deep time and nature’s rights change the way I make decisions? Contact Details Website: www.lizzilarbalestier.com Instagram: @lizzilarbalestier LinkedIn: lizzi-larbalestier