Best of 2017: Michael Adams

Freediving, or breath-hold diving, is an ancient practice once used by many coastal peoples. For centuries it was a tool used to fish, and to retrieve shells from the ocean floor. People would hold their breath for what most of us would think were unnaturally long periods, and dive deep into the ocean. Michael Adams learned to freedive in Bali by learning to slow his heartbeat, withdraw blood from his extremities, and make economical use of his lungs as they compressed under the force of the ocean's depths. The practice also helped him to understand his father's death, and his own mortality. Michael teaches and researches in Human Geography at University of Wollongong. His essay on freediving and mortality was the winner of this year's ABR Calibre Essay prize. Further information  is in the June-July 2017 issue of the Australian Book Review (no. 392) (available free online) Original broadcast July 2017 Help is always available Lifeline 13 11 14 offers 24 hour counselling has a comprehensive list of contacts for help with drug and alcohol issues SANE Australia - helpline, online, forums 1800 187 263 Music played at end of RN Broadcast Track: Deep River by Paul Neufeld (Album - Walk Together)