DeckTales Podcast

Ep53:Jenn SellittiJenn is a criminal defence attorney and deep-sea shipwreck explorer and leader of Atlantic Wreck Salvage. She shares how her passion for history—not the ocean—pulled her into the world of deep-sea exploration, where she helps uncover and preserve stories hidden within historic shipwrecks.Following the recent loss of her partner and founder of the organisation, Joe Mazraani, Jenn has stepped into a leadership role, navigating both the emotional weight and operational challenges of continuing their shared mission. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at life aboard their salvage vessel - DV Tenacious, the technology used to locate wrecks, and the realities of artifact recovery.The conversation dives into the ethics of salvage vs. preservation, the limitations of museums, and why recovering artifacts from the North Atlantic is often a race against time. Jenn also opens up about the dangers of deep diving, the psychology of explorers, and why, despite not loving the water itself, she’s deeply committed to the stories it holds.Key TakeawaysShipwrecks are human stories – Every wreck represents lives, histories, and untold narratives—not just debris on the ocean floor.Passion over profit – Most deep-sea salvage (in this case) is driven by curiosity and historical preservation, not money.Leadership through adversity – Jen’s transition into leadership came suddenly after personal loss, highlighting resilience and purpose.Technology meets patience – Tools like side-scan sonar require long, methodical “mowing the lawn” searches with no guarantees.Artifacts are at risk – Natural forces and human activity can destroy wrecks, making recovery time-sensitive.Museums aren’t always the solution – Many won’t accept salvaged artifacts, creating a gap between discovery and public access.Diving is both technical and mental – For some, it’s meditation; for others (like Jen), it’s a means to an end.Risk is ever-present – Deep dives involve complex systems like rebreathers and require rigorous safety protocols.https://dvtenacious.com/🎬 Chapters00:00 – Intro: Lawyer Turned Deep-Sea Shipwreck Explorer03:45 – The Real Reason She Got Into Shipwrecks (It’s Not the Ocean)08:20 – Discovering Lost Ships Through History & DNA Research13:10 – The Story Behind Atlantic Wreck Salvage17:45 – Losing Joe & Stepping Into Leadership23:30 – Carrying On a Deep-Sea Explorer’s Legacy28:10 – Inside a 20-Person Shipwreck Exploration Team32:40 – How They Actually Find Shipwrecks (Sonar Explained)38:15 – “Mowing the Ocean” for 16 Hours Straight43:50 – What They’ve Found Underwater (Artifacts & Surprises)49:30 – Why Museums REFUSE Shipwreck Artifacts55:10 – Should We Leave Shipwrecks Alone or Recover Them?01:00:40 – Life on a Deep-Sea Expedition (Day in the Life)01:07:20 – Diving the Andrea Doria: The ‘Disneyland’ of Wrecks01:14:10 – The Dangers of Deep Diving (Gear, Risk & Survival)01:21:30 – Why She’s Still Afraid of the Ocean (But Keeps Diving)Hopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

Ep52: Rod ScherIn this episode of Deck Tales, we are joined by author and historian Rod Scher to explore why shipwreck stories still grip us centuries later, to uncover what really causes them to go down—and why it’s almost never just “bad luck.”From the deadly wreck of the SS Valencia to the near-total loss of the Pacific, Rod breaks down how small decisions, human pride, and overlooked warning signs can spiral into full-blown disaster.The conversation also dives into the human side of these tragedies—stories of survival, loss, and split-second decisions that changed everything. Along the way, Rod shares how he turns historical wrecks into gripping narratives, why context matters just as much as the event itself, and how one sailor managed to circle the globe with no instruments at all.This episode is a deep dive into the thin line between control and chaos at sea—and why, no matter how prepared you are, the ocean always has the final say.Key TakeawaysMost maritime disasters aren’t “bad luck” — they’re the result of compounding human decisionsTrusting (or mistrusting) instruments has made or broken countless voyagesShipwrecks reveal as much about their era’s technology and culture as they do about the seaPreparation matters, but humility matters moreThe ocean isn’t evil — it’s just indifferentChapters:00:00 – This Should NEVER Have Happened at Sea…01:30 – The Guy Who Studies Shipwrecks for a Living04:30 – He Turned Disaster Into a Career07:00 – Why Shipwrecks Always Follow the Same Pattern10:30 – 2,000 Ships Lost Here… Why?!14:00 – Why “Overnight Success” Is a Lie18:30 – He Sailed Around the World With NOTHING22:30 – No GPS. No Compass. No Chance?27:00 – How Do You Navigate… With Zero Instruments?32:00 – He Recruited Crew With THIS Crazy Offer38:00 – The Reality of Life at Sea (It’s Brutal)45:00 – The Shipwreck That Should Have Been Avoided55:00 – One Decision Killed Everyone On Board01:05:00 – The Moment He Ignored the Warning Signs01:18:00 – The Ocean Doesn’t Care If You’re Ready01:25:00 – The Biggest Lesson From Every ShipwreckHopefully you're enjoying DeckTales so far. If so, please do smash that like button, share your favourite episodes with your friends, and subscribe of course!To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Tom Hunt @teghuntDan Smith https://www.elephantmedia.co

In this anonymous interview, “Sarah,” a cruise ship activity host, reveals the unfiltered reality of life working at sea. From exhausting 7-day workweeks and ship politics to shocking behind-the-scenes incidents, she exposes what passengers never see. The conversation dives into crew hierarchy, mental and physical burnout, safety scares, and uncomfortable truths about onboard culture — all while balancing the unique opportunity to travel the world.🔑 Key TakeawaysNo days off reality: Crew can work 7 days a week for months, often 10–14 hours daily. Sarah TranscriptHierarchy & inequality: Treatment varies based on role, nationality, and even accent. Sarah TranscriptEmotional & physical burnout: Constant “high energy” expectations with little recovery time. Sarah TranscriptSerious incidents happen: Includes medical emergencies, rescues at sea, and onboard conflicts. Sarah TranscriptBlurred professional boundaries: Living and working together creates uncomfortable and sometimes unsafe situations. Sarah TranscriptHidden crew culture: Includes unofficial economies, internal politics, and social dynamics passengers never see. Sarah TranscriptDespite it all… Travel opportunities and unique experiences keep many crew coming back.Chapters 00:00 – The Truth About Cruise LifeHook + anonymous intro, setting expectations01:45 – Why She Went to SeaFrom West End to cruise ships04:05 – 7 Days a Week, No BreaksThe brutal reality of crew schedules08:45 – Ship Hierarchy & FavouritismInequality, accents, and who gets ahead13:20 – What the Job REALLY InvolvesHosting, security, chaos & constant energy20:10 – Scariest Moments at SeaMedical emergency & passenger fatality25:30 – Life Below DeckLiving conditions, crew culture & burnout31:10 – Embarrassing & Awkward MomentsBeing sick, public call-outs & “bananas”36:50 – The Hidden Economy OnboardSex work, power dynamics & side hustles44:10 – Harassment & Feeling UnsafeBlurred boundaries, complaints & investigations57:30 – The Dark Side of GuestsComplaints, fights, drugs & final thoughts#cruiselife #shiplife #travel #entertainer

Ep50: Ted LundIn this episode of Deck Tales, Captain Sammy Catling sits down with veteran captain, journalist, and whale-watching guide Ted Lund, broadcasting from Juneau, Alaska at the height of whale season. What begins as a conversation about humpback whales quickly expands into a wide-ranging, eye-opening discussion on marine conservation, cruise ship impacts, whale behavior, and life lived almost entirely at sea.Ted shares firsthand stories—from whales struck by ships and learned orca “revenge” behavior, to bubble-net feeding spectacles, cruise ship pollution, and near-death experiences offshore. Blending hard science, lived experience, and dark humour, this episode challenges how we think about tourism, progress, and our responsibility to the ocean.🌊 Key TakeawaysWhales learn and teach behavior: Orca attacks on boats may be a learned, generational response to vessel strikes killing pod matriarchs.Cruise ships have hidden costs: From whale fatalities to coral damage, sediment plumes, invasive species, and infrastructure strain, the impacts go far beyond tourism dollars.Whale watching is booming—maybe too much: Alaska’s whale populations have rebounded, but overcrowding is pushing regulators toward caps and permits.The ocean remembers everything: Plastics, pharmaceuticals, and wastewater don’t disappear—they bioaccumulate and disrupt entire ecosystems.Experience matters: Ted’s unique mix of journalism and seamanship offers a rare, unfiltered look at how environmental decisions play out on the water.#whalewatching #flyfishing #whaling #orca

Ep48: Martin Barmby AKA BarneyIn this episode of Deck Tales, I talk to Barney — a former Royal Navy submariner with 22 years of service — to explore life beneath the waves and the mindset forged by submarines. From growing up immersed in military history to serving on diesel-electric and nuclear boats, Barney shares candid, often hilarious, and deeply human stories about leadership, resilience, and responsibility.The conversation dives into everything from nicknames and Navy culture to the brutal realities of submarine life: limited showers, relentless watchkeeping, and the unbreakable bond between crewmates. Now in civilian life working at a power station, Barney reflects on how submarine values — accountability, teamwork, and never walking past a problem — still shape how he lives and works today.⚓ Key TakeawaysSubmarine service builds extreme accountability — mistakes aren’t personal, they’re fatal.Leadership isn’t rank, it’s responsibility — especially when lives depend on you.Nicknames, banter, and shared hardship create family, not just colleagues.You can take the submariner out of the Navy, but not the Navy out of the submariner.Resilience comes from service, purpose, and helping others — even after uniform life ends.#royalnavy #submarine #electricianlife #submariner

Ep47: Belencia Wallace - Full Time Cruise Content CreatorIn this episode of Deck Tales, Sammy Catling chats with Belencia — better known as Ladybug Travel — a full-time content creator who has spent the past eight months living entirely on cruise ships. Broadcasting live from various corners of a Royal Caribbean ship (including a chapel for peace and quiet), Belencia shares what it’s really like to be a “constant cruiser,” hopping between nearly 30 ships while building a social media career at sea.From managing Wi-Fi, mail, and logistics to navigating ports independently, saving money through loyalty status, and balancing nonstop travel with content creation, Valencia offers a behind-the-scenes look at a lifestyle that sounds glamorous—but requires serious planning and stamina. Along the way, she reflects on favorite destinations, least-favorite ports, cultural lessons learned abroad, and how going all-in on herself has already paid off with viral growth and major media features.Key TakeawaysLiving full-time on cruise ships is possible—but only with extreme organization and planningCruise loyalty status can dramatically reduce daily living costs (Wi-Fi, laundry, drinks)Being a digital nomad doesn’t mean slowing down—burnout is real, even in paradiseIndependent travel in port offers deeper cultural experiences and major cost savingsBetting on yourself can pay off, but momentum brings new challenges and overwhelmCruise ships can be a powerful platform for storytelling, connection, and global reach00:00 – She Lives on Cruise ShipsHow Belencia ended up living full-time at sea06:12 – How This Lifestyle Even StartedThe moment cruising turned into a life choice13:45 – What Full-Time Cruise Life Is Really LikeDaily routines, cabins, food, and onboard reality20:58 – How She Affords Living at SeaCosts, budgeting, and whether this is cheaper than rent28:31 – The Biggest Myths About Cruise LifeWhat people get completely wrong about living on ships35:44 – The Hardest Parts of Living on Cruise ShipsLoneliness, logistics, and things no one talks about42:57 – Friendships, Dating & Social Life at SeaWhat relationships look like when you never stay still50:03 – Health, Safety & Long-Term SustainabilityBurnout, routines, and how long this lifestyle can last56:41 – Is This Lifestyle Actually Worth It?Trade-offs, regrets, and unexpected rewards01:03:28 – Advice for Anyone Who Wants to Do ThisWhat to know before trying full-time cruising01:08:20 – Final Thoughts & What’s NextReflections on freedom, travel, and what comes afterTo see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Ep46: Richard Jones - Naval Engineer and AuthorToday I'm speaking with Richard Jones — Royal Navy weapons engineer by day and one of Britain’s most prolific shipwreck and disaster historians by night. Richard shares how a lifelong fascination with maritime disasters turned into nearly three decades of research, 27+ published books, and multiple memorial campaigns honouring forgotten tragedies.The conversation dives into shipwrecks, air disasters, historical myths, and the emotional weight of researching real loss. Richard explains why he focuses on overlooked stories, how social media transformed historical research, and why he believes history belongs to everyone — not locked away in private archives. From Costa Concordia to lost wartime ships, this episode explores the thin line between human error, hubris, and remembrance.Key TakeawaysHistory isn’t owned — it’s shared. Richard’s mission is to preserve forgotten disasters before their stories disappear forever.Research is part detective work. Separating myth from fact often takes years of interviews, archives, and firsthand accounts.Modern tech changed everything. Social media now connects historians directly with survivors, families, and rare evidence.Memorials matter. For families, plaques and books can provide long-overdue closure and public recognition.Human error repeats itself. From Titanic to Titan, lessons at sea are often ignored — with tragic results.Respect over sensationalism. Some truths don’t need to be published to honor the people involved.https://shipwreckdata.wixsite.com/richard-m-joneshttps://bsky.app/profile/wreckmasterjay.bsky.socialhttps://disasters-shipwrecks.blogspot.com⏱️ YouTube Chapters (01:08:27)00:00 – Welcome Aboard Deck TalesSetting the scene: life at sea, disasters, and forgotten stories04:12 – From Navy Engineer to Shipwreck HistorianHow Richard Jones balances classified work with disaster research09:35 – Why Most Tragedies Are ForgottenMedia bias, death tolls, and how history chooses what survives15:48 – Shipwreck Myths vs RealitySeparating fact from fiction in maritime disasters21:32 – The Human Cost of Disaster ResearchThe unseen emotional toll of studying real loss28:10 – When Research Brings Families ClosureMemorials, survivors, and why remembrance matters35:04 – Titanic, Titan & Repeating MistakesWhy maritime disasters keep happening — again and again41:22 – The Survivors Who Defied the OddsRafts, wartime sinkings, and impossible survival stories48:05 – The Worst Captains in HistoryEgo, negligence, and decisions that doomed thousands54:18 – The Biggest Shipwreck Conspiracies DebunkedThe Titanic switch theory and other myths destroyed01:01:10 – Beyond Titanic: Why These Stories MatterLegacy, memory, and preserving history before it’s lost#piratelegend #seadogs #piracy #shipstories To see clips of all our guests you can follow us on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website: https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at: https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244

Ep45: Zamira Chevrestt - Volunteer Co-ordinator for In The Same BoatToday I'm joined by Zamira, a volunteer coordinator and sustainability ambassador for the Norwegian environmental NGO In The Same Boat. Zamira shares what it’s really like cleaning marine litter along some of the most remote and unforgiving coastlines in the Arctic and Northern Europe — from freezing North Sea crossings to hauling tons of abandoned fishing gear off rocky beaches.The conversation dives into how the NGO operates its fleet of sailboats, trains volunteers with little to no sailing experience, and balances hands-on cleanup with education, data collection, and systemic change. Zamira also opens up about the emotional highs and lows of life at sea, burnout in the NGO world, and why staying hopeful — and human — is essential when tackling an overwhelming global problem.🌊 Key TakeawaysThe Arctic is heavily polluted — even the most remote coastlines are clogged with marine litter, especially from fishing industries.Cleaning is only part of the solution — education, data tracking, and collaboration with industries and governments are critical for long-term impact.Volunteers don’t need sailing experience — just resilience, teamwork, and a willingness to get uncomfortable.Life at sea is intense — physically demanding, emotionally charged, and deeply bonding.Burnout is real in environmental work — stepping back, finding joy, and focusing on small wins keeps people going.Individual actions still matter — change spreads person to person, habit to habit.📌 Chapters (01:07:57)01:38 – Meet Zamira & “In The Same Boat”Cleaning the Arctic, sailing north, and teaching kids why the ocean isn’t a bin04:10 – Volunteering at Sea: Who Can Join & What It’s Really LikeNo sailing experience, extreme conditions, and physical demands06:02 – Crossing the North Sea & Surviving Rough WatersSeasickness, storms, fear, dolphins, and why sailors keep coming back09:50 – How an Arctic Cleanup NGO Actually WorksFunding struggles, boats, tech, volunteers, and scaling impact12:40 – First Cleanup Shock: “I’d Never Seen This Much Trash”The myth of “clean” Norway and what shows up on remote beaches16:25 – A Day in the Life of a Marine Cleanup Crew12-hour days, midnight sun cleanups, weather chaos, and logistics20:35 – One Million+ KG of Trash & Tracking the DataGPS mapping, fishing nets, hotspots, and working with industry28:15 – Burnout, Boat Life & Being ‘In the Same Boat’Mental health, friendships, drama, romance, and volunteer reality35:35 – Plastic, Wildlife & The Stats That HurtSeabirds, whales, microplastics, and why this is urgent41:00 – Schools, Hope & Why the Next Generation MattersTeaching kids, community impact, staying hopeful, and what you can do52:30 – Boat Life Fun: Initiations, Food Fails & Reality TV EnergyGhost pepper shots, porridge crimes, and why this should be a show01:01:30 – Final Reflections: Why This Work Is Worth ItSmall wins, real change, and not giving up on the oceanTo see clips of all our guests you can follow us on:Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/decktalesofficialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/decktalespodcast.TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@decktalesFor all links you can head to the official website:https://www.decktales.co.ukIf you wish to support the page you can leave a welcome donation at:https://ko-fi.com/decktalesAnd if you wish to read or listen to my first book, you can buy a copy here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Seems-Like-Smooth-Sailing-Catling/dp/1912964244Special Thanks To:Zamira Chevrestthttps://www.inthesameboat.eco