The Diving Pod

Heath Calhoun & Aaron Rooney

Just two guys talking diving.

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21 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes21

Newest first

Yesterday · 52 min
Episode #274 Diving Talk with Aaron & Heath
Join us as we talk about diving camps, helping talented divers as they get into the sport and more!
July 27 · 53 min
Episode #273 Maria Faoro (Auburn)
On 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.
July 20 · 33 min
Episode #272 ElliReese Niday (COM)
On 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.
July 13 · 46 min
Episode #271 Samm Helmboldt
On 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.
July 6 · 31 min
Episode #270 Mike Flamm (Clarion)
In 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.
June 29 · 33 min
Episode #269 Dash Glasberg (Indiana)
In 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.
June 22 · 28 min
Episode #268 NISCA All-American Process
Ever 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.
June 15 · 49 min
Episode #267 Nick Fogle (Denison)
On 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.
June 8 · 52 min
Episode #266 Jay Lerew (Texas A&M)
This 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.
June 1 · 49 min
Episode #265 Colleen Hudson (Clarion)
On 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.
May 25 · 46 min
Episode #264 Ellie Cole (Stanford & Australia)
On 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.
May 18 · 26 min
Episode #263 Super Cup Review
In 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.
May 12 · 46 min
Episode #262 Emilio Trevino (Texas A&M & Mexico)
In 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.
May 4 · 38 min
Episode #261 Max Wasiniak (Wayne State)
This 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.
April 27 · 37 min
Episode #260 American Cup Review
In 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
April 20 · 1 hr 23 min
Episode #259 David Colturi (Purdue & Red Bull Cliff Diver)
This 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
April 13 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode #258 Micki King (Michigan & Team USA)
This 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.
April 6 · 59 min
Episode #257 Tim O'Brien (Miami & Olympic Coach)
This 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.
March 30 · 26 min
Episode #256 NCAA Men's & DIII Review
In this episode, we recap both the Division III NCAA Championships and the Men’s Division I Championships, breaking down the key moments from each meet. We hit on standout performances, team impact, and how athletes handled pressure in two very different competitive environments. From the consistency and execution seen at DIII to the difficulty and intensity of Men’s DI, we give a clear look at what separated the top performers at both championships.
March 23 · 37 min
Episode #255 NCAA DII & Women's DI Review
In this episode, we recap the DII NCAA Championships and women’s DI results, focusing on the biggest takeaways from both meets. At DII, highlighting the NCAA Champions and amazing stories that came from the week! The standout divers were the ones who stayed composed and delivered in the middle rounds. On the women’s DI side, the level was extremely high. The top finishers showed control, handled pressure well, and didn’t let one mistake affect the rest of their list. Small details made a big difference in placement. Overall, both meets showed the same thing—success in March comes from consistency, control, and trusting your training.