Shipwreck Podcast Dream Come True

A shipwrecks podcast was the farthest thing from my mind a few months ago! However, all that changed when I decided it was time to resurrect a dream I’ve long put aside.

I’ve been fascinated by ships and the sea since childhood growing up next to a small marina. While it would be decades before I was introduced to world of maritime archeology, the passion kept gnawing at me until I did something about it!

The story behind the shipwrecks podcast

Amazingly, I got connected with renowned maritime archaeologist James Delgado and had the fabulous opportunity to work with him as a virtual executive assistant. After a few years, I proposed the idea of him writing a book for the layperson to help the general public understand the work of maritime archaeologists. Imagine my shock when he suggested I should be the one to write it! The year was 2009, and I tried my best but ultimately, I was unable to complete the book. Even with Jim’s assistance, I felt quite overwhelmed by the task. Eventually, I gave up on the idea, and always felt bad about it but still, the passion kept talking to me. (By the way, I am a writer, just not one of books.)

Why start a podcast now?

Fast forward to 2024, an embarrassing 15-year gap, and I’m actually doing the thing I set out to do in the book after all! I decided I don’t want to die with my passion in me, so let’s go for it! This way I get to use my interviewing and writing skills in a new, exiting format.

I talk to maritime archaeologists and other marine industry experts about the fascinating field of maritime archaeology and I’m loving every minute of it. I get to ask them about shipwrecks and how they’ve been affected by their experiences working with shipwrecks. Imagine the emotional effects of working on an underwater war grave, uncovering fascinating facts in the archives, or touching a piece of  history that no one has for hundreds of years. Shipwreck stories speak to us, not only about our maritime heritage, but about human behaviour.

The title of my book idea back in 2009: The Layperson’s Guide to Shipwrecks: The People & the Science of Maritime Archaeology. Now it’s morphed into a podcast called: Fascinated by Shipwrecks: Discover the People & the Science of Maritime Archaeology. Or Fascinated by Shipwrecks for short.  

How the passion for shipwrecks made the dream a reality

I’m so thrilled I am to be doing this on subject matter that is near and dear to my heart. It’s my way of not only fulfilling a lifelong dream but of hopefully helping others with the passion to learn. It’s more than just a podcast about shipwrecks, it’s a way to connect to our shared history.

I’m absolutely thrilled to have James Delgado help open the series with three riveting episodes, and let me tell you, if you haven’t heard Jim talk before, you’re in for a real treat! 

As I’ve heard many of his colleagues say, “there’s none better”. I agree. I’ve been in awe of Jim for over two decades and I’m so grateful that we connected and that I’ve had the privilege to work with him.

Jim is like a walking encyclopedia of all things maritime archaeology. He’s uber-knowledgeable, scholarly, yet down-to-earth, and has a great sense of humour. I think all of that came through on these inaugural episodes. If you haven’t had a chance, please tune in!

Episode 1: Underwater exploration and the legacy of Titanic 

Jim gives us a primer on the field of maritime archaeology, talks scuba diving, and gives his latest thoughts on Titanic.

Episode 2: Sailing the seven seas, citizen science, the wreck of the USS Stewart

We get a glimpse into a “day” in the life with Jim’s work. He also tells us how “citizen scientists” can get involved in maritime archaeology projects. Plus we get a fascinating walkthrough of the steps taken to investigate the wreck of the recently found USS Stewart.

Episode 3: History, tragedy & humanity

Jim takes us on a powerful journey through the early beginnings of his career at age 14. He also reveals many momentous and poignant times, and imparts profound advice for life. Needless to say, this has been a fascinating journey learning from Jim!

Join the journey and listen or watch the Fascinated by Shipwrecks podcast!