CBS News features an interview with writer and competitive swimmer Chris Ballard, who is promoting his new book, “The Plunge: Maverick Swimmers, an Unlikely Quest, and the Transformative Power of Cold Water.” In the segment, Ballard talks about his focus on cold-water immersion and how it connects to competitive swimming. The interview takes place while he is in an ice bath, reflecting the topic of cold plunging. Sources describe Ballard as both the author of the book and a cold plunge expert, presenting the work as an exploration of the practice and its effects. The program frames the discussion around Ballard’s experiences and the broader theme of how cold water immersion can be transformative. Overall, the coverage centers on Ballard’s perspective as someone who combines writing and competitive swimming with an interest in cold-water training and wellbeing, and it highlights the book’s premise and themes without citing conflicting details from other outlets.