Podcast Summary: "Strangers on a Bench" – EPISODE 17: Cold Water and The Edge
Introduction
In Episode 17 of "Strangers on a Bench," titled "Cold Water and The Edge," host Tom Rosenthal delves deep into the life of an anonymous guest whose multifaceted interests span beyond the ordinary. Over a compelling 20-minute conversation, Tom uncovers the guest's passions for early morning cold-water swimming, artistic endeavors, teaching, and profound reflections on modern societal challenges. This episode weaves together themes of perseverance, creativity, mental health, and the quest for personal freedom.
Guest Introduction
The episode opens with Tom approaching a stranger on a London park bench, introducing his unique podcast concept where he engages in deep conversations with anonymous individuals. The guest, whose identity remains concealed, shares insights into his favorite day of the week and his disciplined yet liberating weekend routines.
Saturday Mornings and Cold-Water Swimming
The guest reveals a deep-seated love for Saturdays, valuing them as days free from weekdays' obligations. “Saturday … it's a really great feeling” (01:02) he explains, appreciating the unstructured freedom it offers.
A significant portion of their discussion centers on the guest’s commitment to cold-water swimming. Waking up at 4:30 AM to swim introduces a unique blend of solitude and connection with nature. “I get up at 4:30” (00:57) he states, highlighting his dedication to this challenging activity. He recounts how he and a friend began swimming clandestinely during lockdown, embracing the serenity of dark, quiet mornings. “...we’re swimming in the dark. And then you get to see the moon and the stars and the silhouettes of the trees. It’s a different world, really” (02:09).
Artistic Pursuits and Teaching
Beyond swimming, the guest is an avid artist, particularly passionate about watercolor painting. “I’m trying to teach myself the technique” (02:59) he shares, discussing his journey of self-education in art and his experiments with color dynamics and the unpredictability of the medium.
Balancing his artistic pursuits, the guest is also a postgraduate-level teacher. This dual role offers him a platform to influence future generations while nurturing his creative spirit. His approach to teaching reflects his broader philosophy on education, which he elaborates on in the following section.
Critique of Standardized Education Systems
The guest offers a poignant critique of contemporary education, advocating for a shift from rote learning to fostering creativity and meaningful relationships. “I think kids should do music and art and develop relationships with the world and with each other and nature, rather than acquire knowledge and facts that they'll never need again in their life” (03:33) he asserts. He laments the denigration of the arts in academic settings, emphasizing their intrinsic value beyond mere amusement.
Parenting and Mental Health Reflections
As a parent of four grown children, the guest reflects on the challenges of ensuring their well-being amidst a tumultuous world. “The fact that they're all alive is actually quite an achievement” (04:25) he admits, revealing the emotional toll of witnessing friends and acquaintances struggle with mental health crises. The conversation deepens as he discusses the troubling trend of young men facing suicidal tendencies, attributing it to modern societal pressures and a sense of powerlessness against global issues. “It feels like a very challenging age that we live in” (06:16) he contemplates, linking it to the erosion of community and the isolating effects of social media.
Societal Challenges and the Erosion of Community
The guest delves into broader societal issues, critiquing the lack of genuine community connections in today’s world. He reflects on how modern challenges—politics, environmental concerns, economic disparities—contribute to a pervasive sense of instability and disillusionment. “Communities can be quite alienating as well, of course” (08:11) he notes, recognizing the complexities of fostering true connections in an increasingly disconnected society.
Support for Artists: Then and Now
A significant part of the conversation addresses the evolution of support systems for artists. The guest nostalgically recalls a time when the welfare state provided substantial support for creative individuals, making it feasible to pursue art as a livelihood. “What used to be possible is that you could squat, you could sign on the dole for quite a long time...” (10:52) he reminisces, contrasting it with the current landscape where such support has dwindled, making it arduous for artists to sustain themselves. He passionately advocates for the reinstatement of these support mechanisms, deeming affordable housing a fundamental right and criticizing the soaring housing costs that burden young people today.
Cold-Water Swimming and Embracing the Edge
Returning to his passion, the guest elaborates on the allure of cold-water swimming, describing it as a thrilling physiological experience that fosters a deeper connection with nature. “It’s thrilling on a kind of very physiological level” (14:25) he explains, highlighting how swimming in the dark under the stars transforms his perception of London.
This pursuit of pushing personal boundaries extends into other areas of his life, such as marathon running. “It’s all about the edge, in a sense” (16:24) he muses, drawing parallels between the physical limits he challenges in sports and the creative edges he explores in art. He emphasizes the importance of embracing failure and the unpredictable outcomes that come from stepping beyond comfort zones. “It’s never the same twice...You can find the edge inside” (20:02).
Creativity, Failure, and Continuous Growth
The guest’s approach to art is inherently experimental, often revisiting the same scenes to capture their ever-changing essence. “The painting’s never the same and you’re not” (20:02) he reflects, illustrating his commitment to growth and adaptation. He values the process over perfection, considering every attempt a learning experience regardless of the outcome. “They’re always failures. That’s what I’m saying. I’m not bothered” (19:33) he candidly shares, underscoring his belief that the act of creation itself is paramount.
Future Aspirations and Final Reflections
Looking ahead, the guest shares his excitement about an upcoming art residency in America, hoping it will provide the validation and integration his work seeks. “I think it's those professional... that's what I'm trying to do here” (18:23) he states, expressing optimism about the future and the potential for his art to find its rightful place in the world.
As the conversation winds down, the guest contemplates his future endeavors, including potentially leading a "gorilla swimming" group—a playful nod to his affinity for unconventional activities. “Gorilla swimming. Quite good fun, actually” (13:44) he remarks, hinting at his enduring quest for unique and fulfilling experiences.
Closing Thoughts and Poetic Reflection
The episode concludes with a poetic interlude voiced by an unidentified individual, reflecting on themes of connection, nature, and the unseen bonds that tie individuals together. This poetic addition enriches the episode, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of contemplation and appreciation for the nuanced conversations that unfold on a simple park bench.
Notable Quotes
- “I get up at 4:30.” (00:57)
- “...we’re swimming in the dark. And then you get to see the moon and the stars and the silhouettes of the trees. It’s a different world, really.” (02:09)
- “I think kids should do music and art and develop relationships with the world and with each other and nature, rather than acquire knowledge and facts that they'll never need again in their life.” (03:33)
- “The fact that they're all alive is actually quite an achievement.” (04:25)
- “It feels like a very challenging age that we live in.” (06:16)
- “What used to be possible is that you could squat, you could sign on the dole for quite a long time...” (10:52)
- “It’s thrilling on a kind of very physiological level.” (14:25)
- “It’s all about the edge, in a sense.” (16:24)
- “They’re always failures. That’s what I’m saying. I’m not bothered.” (19:33)
- “The painting’s never the same and you’re not.” (20:02)
Conclusion
Episode 17 of "Strangers on a Bench" offers a profound exploration of an individual's pursuit of passion, the challenges of modern life, and the enduring human spirit striving for connection and meaning. Through candid dialogue and introspective reflections, Tom Rosenthal facilitates a conversation that resonates with listeners, inspiring them to contemplate their own edges and the depths of their creative and personal journeys.