<![CDATA[swimming toward the shark]]>As I was preparing to get my SCUBA certification, I asked my instructor what I should do if I saw a shark while diving. He told me that the best thing to do is to remain calm because sharks sense fear. Then he said IF a shark should become too curious and verge on aggression, the best thing to do as a diver is to – are you ready for this? – Swim. Toward. The Shark. 

That blew me away. 

What a powerful analogy for facing our fears. When fear gets too close, too curious, and tries to send us swimming for shore, the best thing we can do is look it in the eye, swim toward it, and watch it scurry into the deep.

And that’s how “swimming toward the shark” was born. I chose to use the word “swimming” rather than “swim” because it’s not a one and done directive. Growth and evolution are ideals we must choose to pursue every day. They require a firm commitment to look fear in the face and keep it from getting too comfortable. To keep it in check so we can keep swimming toward self-discovery and our full potential.

]]>www.swimmingtowardtheshark.comRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Sun, 18 Oct 2026 06:47:13 GMTFri, 21 Aug 2026 18:53:11 GMT60Katherine Frazier-Jones<p>As I was preparing to get my SCUBA certification, I asked my instructor what I should do if I saw a shark while diving. He told me that the best thing to do is to remain calm because sharks sense fear. Then he said IF a shark should become too curious and verge on aggression, the best thing to do as a diver is to – are you ready for this? – Swim. Toward. The Shark. </p><p></p><p>That blew me away. </p><p></p><p>What a powerful analogy for facing our fears. When fear gets too close, too curious, and tries to send us swimming for shore, the best thing we can do is look it in the eye, swim toward it, and watch it scurry into the deep.</p><p></p><p>And that’s how “swimming toward the shark” was born. I chose to use the word “swimming” rather than “swim” because it’s not a one and done directive. Growth and evolution are ideals we must choose to pursue every day. They require a firm commitment to look fear in the face and keep it from getting too comfortable. To keep it in check so we can keep swimming toward self-discovery and our full potential.</p>episodicKatherine Frazier-Joneskatherinefjones@gmail.comno<![CDATA[ep. 23 friendships]]>Katherine explores the different types of friendships we encounter throughout life, emphasizing the importance of understanding their nature and the lessons learned from them. She reflects on her personal experiences with friendships that have evolved over time, highlighting the significance of effort and adaptability in maintaining meaningful connections.

]]>5dc4dd30-b820-44a4-b900-ca1a1d83e3d8Mon, 12 Oct 2026 18:07:28 GMT<p>Katherine explores the different types of friendships we encounter throughout life, emphasizing the importance of understanding their nature and the lessons learned from them. She reflects on her personal experiences with friendships that have evolved over time, highlighting the significance of effort and adaptability in maintaining meaningful connections.</p>no00:07:4923ep. 23 friendshipsfull<![CDATA[ep. 22 'failures of kindness']]>Inspired by Professor George Saunders' commencement speech at Syracuse University, Katherine reflects on personal experiences of kindness and regret, particularly through the lens of childhood interactions with a marginalized classmate.

]]>e7cbb917-f15b-44db-80d3-a7cefc271021Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:40:57 GMT<p>Inspired by Professor George Saunders' commencement speech at Syracuse University, Katherine reflects on personal experiences of kindness and regret, particularly through the lens of childhood interactions with a marginalized classmate.</p>no00:07:4122ep. 22 'failures of kindness'full<![CDATA[ep. 21 the world she witnessed]]>Katherine reflects on the life of her grandmother, Evelyn Mae Fitzgerald Boozer, who would be celebrating her 100th birthday, highlighting the profound changes in society, technology, and family dynamics over the decades.

]]>d84498a7-a24f-4193-b556-e71c0cb3125cMon, 12 Oct 2026 17:30:01 GMT<p>Katherine reflects on the life of her grandmother, Evelyn Mae Fitzgerald Boozer, who would be celebrating her 100th birthday, highlighting the profound changes in society, technology, and family dynamics over the decades.</p>no00:06:2821ep. 21 the world she witnessedfull<![CDATA[ep. 20 chances]]>The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of 'chances' and how they influence our lives, particularly in the context of unemployment and personal growth. It delves into the emotional journey of adjusting to newfound freedom while grappling with the guilt and uncertainty that comes with it.

]]>55832714-6d51-4b26-a8dd-9dc5e23584b1Fri, 09 Oct 2026 23:34:17 GMT<p>The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of 'chances' and how they influence our lives, particularly in the context of unemployment and personal growth. It delves into the emotional journey of adjusting to newfound freedom while grappling with the guilt and uncertainty that comes with it.</p>no00:08:2320ep. 20 chancesfull<![CDATA[ep. 19 slow takes]]>The essay focuses on the theme of slowing down and practicing gratitude through silent observation, as inspired by Rachel Schwartzmann's work. Katherine shares her reflections on her home and the various elements that contribute to its story, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and appreciation.

]]>8b768894-ade2-4776-a1fb-7a8a1ccf396bFri, 09 Oct 2026 23:02:09 GMT<p>The essay focuses on the theme of slowing down and practicing gratitude through silent observation, as inspired by Rachel Schwartzmann's work. Katherine shares her reflections on her home and the various elements that contribute to its story, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and appreciation.</p>no00:02:5019ep. 19 slow takesfull<![CDATA[ep. 18 alchemy]]>Katherine discusses her intention to cultivate a more deliberate writing practice in the new year, inspired by Suleika Jaouad's "The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life." She reflects on her experiences with daily creative practices, the challenges she faces, and the importance of self-forgiveness in her journey of self-improvement.

]]>ab563c5b-743c-4a54-8c40-a595db57b822Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:38:40 GMT<p>Katherine discusses her intention to cultivate a more deliberate writing practice in the new year, inspired by Suleika Jaouad's "The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life." She reflects on her experiences with daily creative practices, the challenges she faces, and the importance of self-forgiveness in her journey of self-improvement.</p>no00:04:4418ep. 18 alchemyfull<![CDATA[ep. 17 encountering the grand]]>Katherine shares her profound experience visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time, emphasizing the beauty and healing power of nature. The conversation explores the journey to the canyon, the emotional impact of witnessing its grandeur, and the reflections on the significance of such experiences.

]]>8b28fa03-5a3f-4337-8de6-662527f01023Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:31:04 GMT<p>Katherine shares her profound experience visiting the Grand Canyon for the first time, emphasizing the beauty and healing power of nature. The conversation explores the journey to the canyon, the emotional impact of witnessing its grandeur, and the reflections on the significance of such experiences.</p>no00:04:2017ep. 17 encountering the grandfull<![CDATA[ep. 16 embracing enchantment]]>Katherine shares her transformative experience at the Big Magic retreat with Elizabeth Gilbert, highlighting the mindfulness practices and creative inspirations she gained. She reflects on her journey of submitting her debut novel and the importance of meditation and presence in her creative process.

]]>5d7c88e8-0d19-47e5-95ca-4fb96ff700e3Fri, 09 Oct 2026 22:10:34 GMT<p>Katherine shares her transformative experience at the Big Magic retreat with Elizabeth Gilbert, highlighting the mindfulness practices and creative inspirations she gained. She reflects on her journey of submitting her debut novel and the importance of meditation and presence in her creative process.</p>no00:05:1716ep. 16 embracing enchantmentfull<![CDATA[ep. 15 'when breath becomes air']]>The conversation explores the emotional depth of Paul Kalanithi's memoir 'When Breath Becomes Air' and reflects on the beauty of enduring relationships, regardless of their length.

]]>0868f4d8-f0af-457a-aa2e-598039e97c85Fri, 09 Oct 2026 21:40:24 GMT<p>The conversation explores the emotional depth of Paul Kalanithi's memoir 'When Breath Becomes Air' and reflects on the beauty of enduring relationships, regardless of their length.</p>no00:04:5315ep. 15 'when breath becomes air'full<![CDATA[ep. 14 when fear becomes our comfort zone]]>Through reflections on air travel, Katherine pinpoints the fallacy anxiety tells us - that the worry is what keeps the bad thing from happening - and how to rewrite the mental narrative.

]]>4e7bf089-7b30-48ed-b01b-9a8d8a88aebaWed, 07 Oct 2026 20:34:11 GMT<p>Through reflections on air travel, Katherine pinpoints the fallacy anxiety tells us - that the worry is what keeps the bad thing from happening - and how to rewrite the mental narrative.</p>no00:09:4714ep. 14 when fear becomes our comfort zonefull<![CDATA[ep. 13 do collections preserve our past or weigh down our future?]]>Katherine explores the emotional and physical implications of family collections, questioning whether they preserve precious memories or create bulky burdens that follow us into our futures.

]]>e4153259-6866-414d-9383-b14368c424f9Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:51:09 GMT<p>Katherine explores the emotional and physical implications of family collections, questioning whether they preserve precious memories or create bulky burdens that follow us into our futures.</p>no00:05:1313ep. 13 do collections preserve our past or weigh down our future?full<![CDATA[ep. 12 thoughts and prayers]]>Following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Katherine highlights the need for change and accountability in the face of gun violence. Her essay emphasizes the importance of swapping our anxiety paralysis for disrupting the power pipeline and demanding accountability from elected officials to protect and preserve the rule of law.

]]>f034c735-922c-4e4c-b9ce-61f2b857025fTue, 15 Sep 2026 17:16:39 GMT<p>Following the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, Katherine highlights the need for change and accountability in the face of gun violence. Her essay emphasizes the importance of swapping our anxiety paralysis for disrupting the power pipeline and demanding accountability from elected officials to protect and preserve the rule of law.</p>no00:10:1912ep. 12 thoughts and prayersfull<![CDATA[ep. 5 coming in for a landing]]>Katherine's recurring tornado dreams take on a different ending this time, conveying the emotional journey of overcoming fear and stress. This essay explores the symbolism of the dreams and the personal growth they can sometimes reflect.

]]>7e5bc931-e296-433d-8278-90fd56164d74Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:46:42 GMT<p>Katherine's recurring tornado dreams take on a different ending this time, conveying the emotional journey of overcoming fear and stress. This essay explores the symbolism of the dreams and the personal growth they can sometimes reflect.</p>no00:04:195ep. 5 coming in for a landingfull<![CDATA[ep. 4 further on down the road]]>In this essay, Katherine explores the theme of transition and change and how to separate the "stuff" from the sentiment in the process.

]]>b7cf64b6-dbb5-4960-852b-347c83f8b699Tue, 15 Sep 2026 16:41:49 GMT<p>In this essay, Katherine explores the theme of transition and change and how to separate the "stuff" from the sentiment in the process.</p>no00:03:274ep. 4 further on down the roadfull<![CDATA[ep. 11 syncing with my sandbox]]>Katherine shares her experience of finding time for herself and embracing the gift of freedom and relaxation. She draws inspiration from a podcast and reflects on the universal advice given by the podcast guest, famed author and spiritual seeker Elizabeth Gilbert. The conversation delves into the importance of nourishing oneself, identifying top-line behaviors, and creating space for personal growth and connection.

]]>170ef640-ea0b-44d9-912e-1887bbc9046eMon, 14 Sep 2026 18:08:09 GMT<p>Katherine shares her experience of finding time for herself and embracing the gift of freedom and relaxation. She draws inspiration from a podcast and reflects on the universal advice given by the podcast guest, famed author and spiritual seeker Elizabeth Gilbert. The conversation delves into the importance of nourishing oneself, identifying top-line behaviors, and creating space for personal growth and connection.</p>no00:06:3111ep. 11 syncing with my sandboxfull<![CDATA[ep. 10 sleep interrupted]]>In this essay, we'll take a journey through a unique method for falling back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night, using visualization and mindfulness techniques to relax the body and mind.

]]>bb27c2b9-c5a2-4b2f-bd9e-565646cd44d2Mon, 14 Sep 2026 17:04:42 GMT<p>In this essay, we'll take a journey through a unique method for falling back to sleep after waking up in the middle of the night, using visualization and mindfulness techniques to relax the body and mind.</p>no00:09:5810ep. 10 sleep interruptedfull<![CDATA[ep. 9 me? codependent?]]>This essay reflects on Katherine's struggle with codependency in relationships, realizing the need for change and growth. She learns about the concept of codependence and its impact on her life, leading to a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through reframing and releasing, she aims to detach with love and build healthier, more meaningful relationships.

]]>65055ee1-d8e1-4188-96c3-ccd5d067104cMon, 14 Sep 2026 16:36:03 GMT<p>This essay reflects on Katherine's struggle with codependency in relationships, realizing the need for change and growth. She learns about the concept of codependence and its impact on her life, leading to a journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through reframing and releasing, she aims to detach with love and build healthier, more meaningful relationships.</p>no00:09:229ep. 9 me? codependent?full<![CDATA[ep. 8 you're going to be okay]]>This essay explores the natural expression of vulnerability and the need for reassurance, the power of sharing and processing pain with others, and the healing power of human connection in overcoming pain and fears.

]]>a762beb6-7e7f-45ce-bbb6-43103ccdf183Mon, 14 Sep 2026 16:07:07 GMT<p>This essay explores the natural expression of vulnerability and the need for reassurance, the power of sharing and processing pain with others, and the healing power of human connection in overcoming pain and fears.</p>no00:03:428ep. 8 you're going to be okayfull<![CDATA[ep. 7 sawubona]]>Katherine discovers the Meditative Story podcast and listens to an episode that resonates deeply with her personal experiences of anxiety and childhood fears. The episode features a story told by Dr. Susan David, a psychologist and author, and explores the theme of creating space for feelings and acknowledging emotions.

]]>5af659ab-4854-4f3f-8ac8-17c130e72621Wed, 09 Sep 2026 20:10:45 GMT<p>Katherine discovers the Meditative Story podcast and listens to an episode that resonates deeply with her personal experiences of anxiety and childhood fears. The episode features a story told by Dr. Susan David, a psychologist and author, and explores the theme of creating space for feelings and acknowledging emotions.</p>no00:22:337ep. 7 sawubonafull<![CDATA[ep. 6 the upside of cancer]]>This essay revolves around the experience of a sister's battle with breast cancer, highlighting themes of strength, gratitude, and the transformative nature of the journey towards healing.

]]>1da23b7e-857d-4871-865a-dec6a08392a9Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:59:35 GMT<p>This essay revolves around the experience of a sister's battle with breast cancer, highlighting themes of strength, gratitude, and the transformative nature of the journey towards healing.</p>no00:04:266ep. 6 the upside of cancerfull<![CDATA[ep. 3 reinventing ourselves: possible or mythical?]]>This essay explores the concept of reinvention and the evolution of one's core self. It delves into childhood memories, experiences of self-doubt, and the realization that our past selves had their own fears and insecurities. The narrative emphasizes the gradual nature of reinvention and the importance of embracing new experiences and choices.

Takeaways

  • Reinvention is a gradual process
  • Our core remains the same, but evolves
]]>16fbefe2-45f0-4b4e-894e-6897bb9e2ad9Tue, 08 Sep 2026 15:41:51 GMT<p>This essay explores the concept of reinvention and the evolution of one's core self. It delves into childhood memories, experiences of self-doubt, and the realization that our past selves had their own fears and insecurities. The narrative emphasizes the gradual nature of reinvention and the importance of embracing new experiences and choices.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Reinvention is a gradual process</li><li>Our core remains the same, but evolves</li><li></li></ul>no00:09:393ep. 3 reinventing ourselves: possible or mythical?full<![CDATA[ep. 2 pause. notice. experience.]]>This essay explores the experience of embracing change and the importance of self-compassion during times of transition. It delves into the internal observations and emotions that accompany significant life changes, emphasizing the value of recognizing fear and embracing the present moment with courage and self-compassion.

Takeaways

  • Embracing change
  • Self-compassion

]]>c8287b92-73e9-4445-a01e-5291e4a28a1bTue, 08 Sep 2026 15:10:01 GMT<p>This essay explores the experience of embracing change and the importance of self-compassion during times of transition. It delves into the internal observations and emotions that accompany significant life changes, emphasizing the value of recognizing fear and embracing the present moment with courage and self-compassion.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Embracing change</li><li>Self-compassion</li></ul><p></p>no00:03:292ep. 2 pause. notice. experience.full<![CDATA[ep. 1 what is it about change that gets us so freaked out?]]>Overcoming fear and embracing change is essential for personal growth and success. This essay explores the impact of fear on our potential success and the importance of facing our fears head-on. It also delves into the analogy of facing fear with the same calmness as encountering a shark while diving, and the transformative power of overcoming fear.

Takeaways

  • Embracing change and overcoming fear is essential for personal growth.
  • Facing fear with calmness and courage can lead to transformative outcomes.
]]>8a9ecf35-1add-4142-94d2-dfcf94541254Tue, 08 Sep 2026 14:53:01 GMT<p>Overcoming fear and embracing change is essential for personal growth and success. This essay explores the impact of fear on our potential success and the importance of facing our fears head-on. It also delves into the analogy of facing fear with the same calmness as encountering a shark while diving, and the transformative power of overcoming fear.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Embracing change and overcoming fear is essential for personal growth.</li><li>Facing fear with calmness and courage can lead to transformative outcomes.</li></ul>no00:04:091ep. 1 what is it about change that gets us so freaked out?full