Podcast
The Diving Pod
Hosted by Heath Calhoun & Aaron Rooney · EN
Just two guys talking diving.
22episodes
Episodes
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Episode #275 Areal Vanden Akker (Davenport)
6d ago00:35:36Tap to summarizeThis week on The Diving Pod, we sit down with one of the great coaches in Division II diving, Areal Vanden Akker of Davenport University! Areal takes us through her journey from diver to coach, her passion for developing athletes, and the work she has done building Davenport into a growing force in collegiate diving. From coaching young divers to guiding athletes onto the biggest stages in Division II, Areal shares the lessons, experiences, and philosophy that have shaped her career.
Transcribe →Episode #274 Diving Talk with Aaron & Heath
2w ago00:52:29Tap to summarizeJoin us as we talk about diving camps, helping talented divers as they get into the sport and more!
Transcribe →Episode #273 Maria Faoro (Auburn)
3w ago00:53:29Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Diving Pod, we welcome Maria Faoro, a rising sophomore at Auburn University. Maria reflects on her unique path in diving, representing Brazil on the international stage, and how those experiences prepared her for the transition to one of the premier diving programs in the country at Auburn. We dive into what it was like adjusting to college athletics, training under Auburn's coaching staff, balancing academics with the demands of SEC competition, and the lessons learned during her freshman season. Maria also shares her goals heading into year two, how she's working to elevate her diving to the next level, and what excites her most about the future of her career. Whether you're a young diver navigating the recruiting process, a fan of collegiate diving, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind rising stars, this episode offers an inside look at the dedication, resilience, and passion that continue to drive Maria Faoro's success.
Transcribe →Episode #272 ElliReese Niday (COM)
4w ago00:33:55Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with one of the brightest young stars in the sport, ElliReese Niday. Already making history before even reaching high school, ElliReese shares the journey that's made her one of the most exciting prospects in USA Diving. From dominating the junior ranks to becoming one of the youngest senior national champions in recent history, ElliReese discusses what it's like competing against the nation's best, handling the pressure of skyrocketing expectations, and staying grounded while chasing Olympic dreams. She opens up about her training, the sacrifices behind her rapid rise, and the family support system that's helped shape her into one of Team USA's fastest-rising talents. We also dive into her biggest moments on the platform, what she's learned from competing internationally, her goals for the future, and why she's determined to keep improving every day. Whether you're a young diver looking for inspiration or a lifelong fan of the sport, ElliReese's passion, maturity, and love for diving shine throughout this conversation. Don't miss this inspiring episode with a diver who is proving that age is just a number and whose journey is only getting started.
Transcribe →Episode #271 Samm Helmboldt
Jul 1300:46:23Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Samm Helmboldt, a rising senior at the University of Louisville. From growing up in Arizona, to Midland, Texas. Samm shares the journey that shaped her into an NCAA qualifier and ACC standout.
Transcribe →Episode #270 Mike Flamm (Clarion)
Jul 600:31:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Diving Pod, we welcome Mike Flamm to share his journey through the sport and his experience as a member of the storied Clarion Golden Eagles diving program. Mike reflects on how he first got involved in diving, the challenges he faced throughout his career, and the moments that shaped him both as an athlete and as a person. He talks about what drew him to Clarion, the culture within the program, and the lessons he's learned from competing at the collegiate level.
Transcribe →Episode #269 Dash Glasberg (Indiana)
Jun 2900:33:27Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with rising star Dash Glasberg to discuss his journey through the sport and what it takes to compete at one of the nation's premier diving programs. Dash shares how he got his start in diving, the people who have influenced his career, and the path that led him to Indiana Hoosiers. He reflects on the transition to college diving, balancing academics with the demands of training, and what it's like competing alongside some of the best divers in the country.
Transcribe →Episode #268 NISCA All-American Process
Jun 2200:28:53Tap to summarizeEver wondered how a diver earns the prestigious NISCA High School All-American honor? In this episode of The Diving Pod, Aaron Rooney breaks down the entire process from the perspective of someone who serves as a NISCA judge.
Transcribe →Episode #267 Nick Fogle (Denison)
Jun 1500:49:52Tap to summarizeOn this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Nick Fogle. Fresh off an unforgettable senior season at Denison University, Nick capped his collegiate career by sweeping both the 1-meter and 3-meter national titles while earning CSCAA Men's Diver of the Year honors. Nick takes us through his entire diving journey, from his early introduction to the sport in Minnesota to becoming a six-time All-American and national champion. We discuss the steady progression that led him from NCAA qualifier to podium finisher and ultimately to the top of Division III diving. Along the way, he shares the lessons learned from setbacks, the importance of trusting the process, and how his work ethic helped him reach the highest level of collegiate competition.
Transcribe →Episode #266 Jay Lerew (Texas A&M)
Jun 800:52:46Tap 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.
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