Podcast
The Diving Pod
Hosted by Heath Calhoun & Aaron Rooney · EN
Just two guys talking diving.
13episodes
Episodes
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Episode #266 Jay Lerew (Texas A&M)
5d ago00:52:46Tap to summarizeThis week on The Diving Pod, we sit down with one of the most accomplished and fascinating figures the sport has ever seen, Jay Lerew. From an unlikely start in athletics to becoming one of the most respected coaches in the world, Jay's journey is anything but ordinary. Before he was producing NCAA champions and Olympians, Jay was soaring through the air as a professional aerial acrobatic skier, performing the kinds of flips and twists that looked straight out of a James Bond movie. That unique background eventually led him to the diving world, where he discovered a passion for coaching that would shape generations of athletes. Jay shares stories from his remarkable coaching career, including leading the United States as Head Olympic Diving Coach at the 2000 Olympic Games, building powerhouse club programs, and transforming the diving program at Texas A&M Athletics into a national contender. Along the way, he developed NCAA champions, Olympians, conference champions, and countless All-Americans while earning multiple National and Conference Coach of the Year honors. We dive into the lessons he's learned from decades on deck, the athletes who shaped his career, and the passion that kept him pushing the sport forward. Whether you're a diver, coach, or simply love hearing incredible life stories, this episode offers a rare look into the mind of a coach whose impact on diving stretches across generations. Join us as we hear the unforgettable story of Jay Lerew—a coach, innovator, Olympian mentor, aerial skier, and quite possibly the most interesting man in diving.
Transcribe →Episode #265 Colleen Hudson (Clarion)
2w ago00:49:41Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Colleen Hudson to talk about an unforgettable junior season that ended with her standing on top of the podium as the NCAA Division II National Champion on 3-meter. Colleen reflects on the work, consistency, and confidence it took to reach that moment, along with the pressure and excitement of competing in one of the deepest diving fields in the country.
Transcribe →Episode #264 Ellie Cole (Stanford & Australia)
3w ago00:46:33Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Ellie Cole to talk about her incredible journey from Australia to one of the top collegiate diving programs in the country at Stanford Cardinal. Ellie reflects on her early beginnings in the sport, the transition from elite international competition to NCAA diving, and what it was like balancing life as a freshman student-athlete while competing at the highest level.
Transcribe →Episode #263 Super Cup Review
4w ago00:26:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we break down the action from the World Aquatics Diving World Cup 2026 Super Final, held May 1–3 in Beijing, where the world’s top divers went head-to-head across nine events in one of the most competitive meets of the year . We recap how Team USA stacked up against powerhouse nations like China, highlighting a meet where the Americans showed progress but were just outside the medal stand in key events. The U.S. came away with a couple of strong fourth-place finishes, showing they’re right on the edge of breaking through on the world stage . With a young roster that included names like Carson Tyler, Jack Ryan, and ElliReese Niday, this meet was more about gaining experience and building momentum than immediate podium results . We also talk through the biggest storylines from the meet—China continuing to dominate at home, the consistency required to compete at this level, and how tight the margins are between making finals, podiums, and medals.
Transcribe →Episode #262 Emilio Trevino (Texas A&M & Mexico)
May 1200:46:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with NCAA platform champion Emilio Treviño from Texas A&M Aggies to talk about his incredible freshman-year rise to the top of college diving. Emilio shares his journey from Mexico to the United States, detailing the challenges of adapting to a new culture, training environment, and level of competition. We dive into what fueled his success in his first NCAA season, how his international background shaped his approach to the sport, and what it meant to win a national title so early in his career. Emilio also reflects on being the final NCAA champion under legendary coach Jay Lerew, giving insight into Lerew’s impact on his development and the legacy he leaves behind. This episode highlights resilience, transition, and what it takes to become a champion on one of the biggest stages in collegiate diving.
Transcribe →Episode #261 Max Wasiniak (Wayne State)
May 400:38:51Tap to summarizeThis episode of The Diving Pod spotlights rising talent Max Wasiniak, the NCAA Division II 1-meter national champion out of Wayne State University. As a junior, Max breaks down the journey that led him to the top of the podium, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work, mindset, and consistency it took to get there. He dives into his background in the sport—how he first got started, the pivotal moments that shaped his development, and what ultimately guided him to Wayne State. Max reflects on why the program was the right fit for him and how its culture and coaching helped elevate his performance to a national level. The conversation also unpacks his championship performance, including how he approached the meet mentally, handled pressure, and executed when it mattered most. Along the way, Max shares lessons learned through setbacks, how he’s continued to refine his diving, and what success looks like moving forward.
Transcribe →Episode #260 American Cup Review
Apr 2700:37:07Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we break down everything that went down at the recent American Cup, diving into the results, standout performances, and what it all means moving forward. We start by recapping the top finishers on both the men’s and women’s sides, highlighting the athletes who delivered under pressure and those who may have surprised the field. From consistent execution to clutch final-round dives, we discuss what separated the leaders from the rest. From there, we get into the biggest takeaways. Which divers are trending upward at the right time? Who showed signs of potential but still has work to do? We also talk through how this meet fits into the bigger picture—what it tells us about the current landscape of U.S. diving
Transcribe →Episode #259 David Colturi (Purdue & Red Bull Cliff Diver)
Apr 2001:23:17Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Diving Pod features David Colturi, diving into his unique journey from traditional springboard and platform diving to becoming one of the faces of professional cliff diving. Colturi reflects on his time competing at Purdue University, where he developed the technical foundation and competitive mindset that would later set him apart. He shares how his college career as a national-level diver gave him the confidence to pursue opportunities beyond the pool. The conversation shifts to how he found his way into the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, describing the transition from 10-meter diving to launching off 27-meter platforms. Colturi talks about the mental challenge of embracing fear, the physical toll of hitting the water at extreme speeds, and the tight-knit community among the world’s best cliff divers. He also opens up about carving out a career in a niche sport, balancing performance with building a personal brand, and how the growth of social media has elevated cliff diving’s visibility worldwide. Finally, Colturi discusses his newest venture, the No Limits Tour—an athlete-driven professional series he co-founded. The tour aims to expand opportunities for divers, bring more events to fans, and push the sport forward
Transcribe →Episode #258 Micki King (Michigan & Team USA)
Apr 1301:01:22Tap to summarizeThis episode of The Diving Pod features a conversation with diving legend Micki King, whose story goes far beyond the pool. King reflects on her journey from a young athlete navigating a male-dominated sport to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most influential figures in diving history. She shares the challenges she faced during a time when opportunities for women in sports were limited, and how perseverance, resilience, and belief in her abilities helped her break through. The episode dives into her impact on the growth of women’s athletics in the United States, including her role in advancing equality and visibility for female athletes during a pivotal era. King offers perspective on how far the sport has come. It’s a powerful conversation that blends history, personal triumph, and a lasting legacy that continues to shape the future of diving.
Transcribe →Episode #257 Tim O'Brien (Miami & Olympic Coach)
Apr 600:59:11Tap to summarizeThis episode dives into a thoughtful, experience-driven conversation with Tim O’Brien, former University of Miami standout and 2000 Olympic coach, as he breaks down the evolution of USA Diving—from a system that consistently produced world-class results to the more fragmented model we see today.
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