What does it mean to push limits — in the water, in art, and in the wild?

In this episode of Life in Motion we sit down with filmmaker Elliott Hasler, the young director of Vindication Swim, a true story about Mercedes Gleitze, the first British woman to swim the English Channel. Elliott takes us behind the scenes of recreating her journey — not in a studio, but out in the raw, unpredictable waters of the Channel itself.

Filming in open seas brought its own challenges — rough weather, frigid tides, and the untamed beauty of the outdoors — all mirroring Mercedes’ own fight for perseverance. Through grit, history, and creative courage, Elliott captures a different kind of outdoor story: one that celebrates both human endurance and nature’s power to test and transform us.

Life in Motion is brought to you by Actual Outdoors. They help build beautiful brands that highlight the approachable and authentic parts of outdoor recreation. Said simply - they “keep it real”. Find them online at actualoutdoors.com or on Instagram at @actualoutdoors.

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Since 2017 Illumine has donated over $50,093 to outdoor nonprofits and shared over 250 stories on the Life in Motion Podcast.