The Plunge Book Talk: Cold Water + Human Endurance w/ Chris Ballard (SF)
KALW | 220 Montgomery Street, San Francisco, CA
Event Details
KALW welcomes sports journalist Chris Ballard for a discussion of his new book The Plunge, exploring the transformative power of cold water.
What happens when humans willingly step into freezing water—and keep coming back for more?
Join KALW for a live conversation with journalist and author Chris Ballard about his new book The Plunge: Maverick Swimmers, an Unlikely Quest, and the Transformative Power of Cold Water.
Together, we’ll unpack the surprising science of cold exposure, the mental and physical benefits of plunging, and the powerful sense of community found at the water’s edge. Along the way, Ballard shares his own journey from curious observer to Ice Swimming World Championship competitor.
Whether you’re a seasoned open-water swimmer, cold-plunge curious, or simply fascinated by the edges of human endurance, this conversation offers an invigorating look at why so many people are choosing discomfort as a path to healing, resilience, and connection.
Chris Ballard, a senior writer at Sports Illustrated for two decades, is the award-winning author of four books, including One Shot at Forever, and has contributed to National Geographic and The New York Times Magazine. Reporting Plunge took him from cold plunges to competing alongside Olympians at the Ice Swimming World Championships.
Ben Trefny has been part of the KALW family since 2003, where he currently serves as Executive Producer. As Executive News Editor, News Director, and Interim Executive Director, he helped the news department win numerous regional and national awards for long- and short-form journalism. He also helped create numerous training programs — for teenagers, incarcerated people, and early-career journalists — and has taught hundreds of audio producers. His current work focuses on journalism, live events, and partnerships.
Come early for Pollinating The Possible, on view in KALW’s gallery until July 31. CreatingAS1, the art team of Sara Corbett and Aaron Haldiman, is transforming KALW’s public gathering space into a living gallery—an invitation to pause, reflect, and engage with artwork that explores connection, renewal, and possibility. Together, KALW and CreatingAS1 invite you into a process of discovery, connection, and collective imagination.
There is a $10 – $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.
Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.
220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI
Reception doors open at 6:00
️ Program begins at 7:00
🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want
Please note:
- The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
- We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
- Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
- If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm
Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.
Cost: FREE*
