As soon as Brodie Whalan's finished putting pen to last paper in November's HSC exams, he'll be diving straight into the ocean.
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In the meantime, the year 12 student at Ulladulla High School has shared his journey into the underwater photography and filmmaking world on a new podcast, This Is My Tribe.
Created by local woman Gemma Lucia, the narrative podcast weaves the voices of everyday people with the connections that have brought meaning, purpose, and joy to their lives.
Brodie's story is the first in the series. It was his first foray into the podcast world but sharing a huge part of his life comes naturally to Brodie.
Growing up on the coast, the Ulladulla teenager has always had a love for the ocean - from fishing, surfing, bodyboarding - you name it, he was doing it.
But it was when he began to dive deeper under the surface that a whole new world opened up.
"I really wanted to show what it was like under the surface because not a lot of people get to see that and it's incredible," he said.
Brodie's captured stunning images and films right across the coast but said it's hard to beat Jervis Bay.
"The underwater topography is Jurassic-like, it's just insane," he said.
"It's beautiful and there's so much there I still want to explore."
Coming into his final years of schooling, Brodie said diving has provided him with peace and solace in times of anxiety or stress. While he said he's keen to complete his HSC, his passion for the ocean and his work has always been number one.
"If the water is clear and the sun's out - I'm going diving," he said.
"You just can't let anything stop you."
Although he'll continue to dive after school, Brodie began working in the wedding and events photography industry around a year ago and plans to pursue these opportunities too.
While he loves his hometown and all it's natural beauty, he's open to moving wherever his interests take him.
"It's just so exciting. I can't wait to get out there."
Listen to Brodie's story at This is My Tribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify, or head to the website.
Find Brodie's work:
- Instagram: @brodiewmedia
- Facebook: Brodiewmedia
- Contact: brodie.whalan@gmail.com