UC 428: The Wild Fix Nature, Wild Swimming & Finding Joy with Anna Deacon

In this uplifting and nature-filled episode, Cyndi and Kim chat with Anna Deacon, photographer, author, and passionate advocate for wild swimming, about her upcoming solo book, The Wild Fix: Scotland. Anna shares how connecting with nature can transform our mental and physical health, from the soothing power of birdsong to the invigorating challenge of cold-water immersion. The conversation flows from Anna’s personal journey, transitioning from a career in the music industry to writing and photographing stories of wild swimmers, to her deep connection with Scotland’s landscapes. She also reveals fascinating research for her book, including the science of negative ions, the gut health benefits of soil-based probiotics, and the ancient sauna culture of the Shetland Islands. Alongside personal stories of joy, grief, and resilience, Anna, Cyndi, and Kim explore how nature offers “glimmers”—small moments of beauty and positivity that help us feel grounded, inspired, and alive. Topics Covered How wild swimming supports mental health, community, and resilience The science behind why being in nature feels so good Links between birdsong, gut health, and stress reduction The role of trees and natural spaces in navigating grief and joy Scotland’s ancient sauna culture and Anna’s family history in the Shetland Islands Why embracing discomfort—whether in cold water or hot sun—can be transformative How to find and collect “glimmers” in your daily life Anna’s favourite nature rituals and how they keep her creative and inspired About Anna Deacon: Anna Deacon is an Edinburgh-based photographer, writer, and nature advocate whose work celebrates the healing power of the outdoors. She has co-authored several books, including Taking the Plunge and For the Love of Trees, and her upcoming solo project The Wild Fix: Scotland explores the intersection of nature, well-being, and the four elements—air, fire, water, and earth. Her photography and writing have been featured in major media outlets, and her projects have inspired a growing movement of wild swimmers and nature lovers across the UK and beyond. Quotes I am a story teller and I love telling people’s stories. Love the feeling of being outdoors and the feeling of cold water. There is lots of science around cold water – if you can do it – do it anywhere. It is good to push the body to extremes. Ice baths do not have the same effect as wild swimming as every day it is different. Getting into cold water is a very mindful practice. Swimming into the sunrise is the most magical experience. When you are grieving go to nature to feel connection. You always feel better when you have been outside, most people get that. There’s a lot to be said for getting hands dirty in soil and touching trees. We live in a very sterilised world. I’m not afraid to reinvent myself. There is something beautiful in creating the opposite of triggers can only be achieved in nature. Where to find Anna Website: https://anna-deacon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewildfix/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wildswimmingstories/ Linkeden: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-deacon-17b4a818b/?originalSubdomain=uk Cyndi O’Meara Links Website – https://thenutrition.academy/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cyndiomeara/ https://www.instagram.com/thenutrition_academy/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cyndi.lovetto https://www.facebook.com/thechnutritionacademy Kim Morrison Links Website – https://www.kimmorrison.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kimmorrison28/ https://www.instagram.com/twenty.8.essential/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/KimMorrisonTraining https://www.facebook.com/twenty8essentials