The Diving Pod

Heath Calhoun & Aaron Rooney

Just two guys talking diving.

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289 episodes
Updated Yesterday

Episodes289

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March 16 · 44 min
Episode #254 Derek Colbert (Mizzou)
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Mizzou diver Derek Colbert to talk about his journey through the sport and what it takes to compete at the Division I level. Derek shares how he first got involved in diving, the coaches and mentors who helped shape his development, and the challenges that come with balancing the demands of high-level athletics and college life. He dives into his experience competing in the SEC, what training looks like behind the scenes at Missouri, and how he continues to push himself to develop new dives and refine the details that separate good performances from great ones. Derek also reflects on the lessons the sport has taught him—handling pressure, staying resilient through setbacks, and continuing to chase improvement every day.
March 9 · 48 min
Episode #253 Skip Donald (Auburn & Florida)
In this episode, we sit down with former collegiate diver Skip Donald, who opens up about the winding path of his college career and the lessons that came with it. Skip began his journey at the Auburn University, one of the premier programs in college diving. He talks about the expectations and intensity of competing in the SEC, what he learned early in his career, and how those experiences shaped him as an athlete. After his time at Auburn, Skip made the difficult decision to transfer to the University of Florida to finish out his career. During the transition, Skip found himself battling injuries that forced him to confront the reality many athletes eventually face—how to keep pushing forward when the body doesn’t cooperate the way it used to. He shares what those setbacks were like mentally and physically, and how the adversity changed his perspective on the sport and on himself. Recently, Skip took those experiences and turned them into something powerful, writing a book that dives into the real ups and downs of being a college athlete. In the conversation, he talks about why he felt compelled to tell that story, the moments that shaped the book, and what he hopes current athletes can take away from it.
March 2 · 58 min
Episode #252 Sofia Knight (UNC & Australia)
In this episode, we sit down with Sofia Knight, standout diver for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who shares her incredible journey from Australia to competing in the ACC. Growing up in Australia, Sofia talks about how she first found diving, what the training culture was like back home, and how her early experiences shaped her fearless style on the boards. She reflects on the differences between the Australian club system and the NCAA model, and what it took to make the leap—both athletically and culturally—to the United States. Sofia opens up about adjusting to life at UNC: balancing academics and athletics, embracing the team environment, and competing in one of the toughest conferences in the country. She shares the challenges of being far from family, how she’s built a second home in Chapel Hill, and what representing UNC means to her.
February 23 · 1 hr 7 min
Episode #251 Ray Preas (Lousiville)
In this episode, we sit down with Ray Preas, standout diver for University of Louisville, to unpack the progression of an athlete who has steadily built himself into a consistent NCAA contributor. Ray walks through how he first connected with diving, the early technical adjustments that accelerated his development, and the moment he realized college diving could become a serious path. From a coaching lens, what stands out in his story is the patience in his progression
February 16 · 42 min
Episode #250 Avery Lommel (Augustana)
In this powerful episode, Augustana University All-American diver Avery Lommel shares a journey defined by resilience, courage, and an unwavering love for the sport. Avery opens up about how she first found diving, the joy and identity it quickly gave her, and the unimaginable challenge that followed when she lost vision in one eye. Facing depth perception changes, spatial awareness challenges, and the mental hurdles that come with a life-altering injury, Avery made the decision to stay in the sport she loved. She walks through the rebuilding process — relearning skills, adjusting technique, and trusting herself again on the board — all while navigating the doubts of whether elite diving was still possible. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Avery not only returned to competition, she rose to the top — capturing a state championship and ultimately becoming an NCAA All-American at Augustana. Her story is a testament to adaptability, perseverance, and the power of belief from the athlete-coach support system around her. This conversation dives into identity beyond adversity, redefining limits, and what it truly means to pursue excellence when the path changes. Avery’s journey will resonate with athletes, coaches, and anyone facing obstacles that seem impossible to overcome.
February 9 · 26 min
Episode #249 Tobie Stiles (Northern Michigan)
This episode features Tobie Stiles, senior diver at Northern Michigan, as he walks through the full arc of his diving journey—from the early days of learning to compete to becoming a leader at the collegiate level. Tobie reflects on the moments that shaped him most as a diver: the grind of daily training, the setbacks that forced him to grow, and the small breakthroughs that added up over time. He talks candidly about what it’s like developing in a program where consistency, accountability, and trust in the process matter more than shortcuts. As a senior, Tobie shares how his perspective has shifted from just chasing scores to understanding preparation, discipline, and the responsibility of setting the tone for younger teammates.
February 2 · 54 min
Episode #248 Ryan Campbell (Colorado Mesa)
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Ryan Campbell, senior diver at Colorado Mesa, to talk about a path a lot of athletes can relate to—but don’t always hear enough about. Ryan walks through his time at junior college, the lessons he learned there, and how that experience shaped him both as a student and a diver before making the jump to a four-year program. Ryan opens up about the transfer process, what he was looking for in a school, and how important it was for him to find a degree he could genuinely be passionate about—not just something that fit around diving. He shares how getting clarity academically helped him buy in even more fully to his training and growth in the sport. From a diving standpoint, Ryan talks about continuing to push himself later in his career, taking on harder dives, and embracing the challenge of raising his degree of difficulty. He breaks down the mindset required to keep improving as a senior, the patience needed when progress isn’t linear, and what it takes to stay hungry in the pool. This episode is a great listen for junior college divers, transfers, and anyone trying to balance long-term athletic development with finding the right academic fit—proof that there’s more than one way to build a successful college diving career.
January 26 · 1 hr 1 min
Episode #247 Jan Lanser
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Wisconsin diver Jan Lanser for a real, honest conversation about commitment, growth, and resilience. Jan opens up about his decision to stay home and be part of building Wisconsin diving into the program he knows it can be—choosing development, loyalty, and long-term vision over easier paths. He also dives deep into his mindset as an athlete: a constant desire to improve, to learn, and to be coached. That perspective becomes even more powerful in light of the severe injury he recently suffered off 10-meter. Jan shares how that moment has reshaped his outlook, tested his patience, and reinforced his love for the sport and the process. This episode is a must-listen for young divers navigating adversity, recruits thinking about fit and culture, and anyone who values growth through the hard moments. Jan’s story is a reminder that progress isn’t always linear—but the best athletes keep showing up, even when it’s tough.
January 19 · 28 min
Episode #246 Olivia Nelson (West Florida)
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Olivia Nelson, senior diver at West Florida, to talk about her experience being part of an all-women’s swimming and diving program and what that environment has meant for her growth as both a diver and a person. Olivia shares how the culture at UWF pushed her to take ownership of her development, build confidence, and lead alongside a tight-knit group of women who support each other daily. We also dive into her decision to graduate early. This episode is a great listen for athletes who want to understand what it looks like to fully commit, grow within a strong team culture, and set themselves up for success after college.
January 12 · 42 min
Episode #246 Kalina Ceglinski (Northern Michigan)
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Kalina Ceglinski, junior diver at Northern Michigan, to talk through her diving journey and continued growth at the collegiate level. Kalina opens up about what it was like arriving at NMU and fully embracing the challenge of developing on 3-meter once she got to college, highlighting her coachability, curiosity, and willingness to learn something uncomfortable in order to get better. She also shares just how much NMU means to her, from the team culture to the daily environment that’s helped her thrive both as a diver and as a person. The conversation finishes with Kalina laying out her future goals, including her drive to compete at the highest level and her long-term vision of winning an NCAA title. A great listen for athletes who believe in trusting the process, buying into development, and committing fully to the work.
January 5 · 51 min
Episode #244 Sophie Verzyl (South Carolina)
In this upcoming episode of The Diving Pod, Heath and Aaron sit down with South Carolina diver Sophie Verzyl to talk through her diving journey and the mindset that has shaped her career. Sophie shares her experiences competing at a high level, how she’s grown as an athlete over time, and the mental approach she brings to training and competition. From handling pressure on the boards to staying consistent through the ups and downs of a collegiate season, this conversation offers insight into what it takes to develop confidence, resilience, and long-term success in the sport of diving.
Dec 29, 2025 · 15 min
Episode #243 Max Flory Demo & Quick Hitter
In this episode, Heath and Aaron give their perspective on last chance meets and share their opinions on how athletes and coaches should approach them. They also discuss feet-first entries, why they matter, and common things they see on deck that can impact scoring. Everyone should also head over to The Diving Pod YouTube channel to watch the Max Flory mentor demo, where Max breaks down key concepts that can help divers improve their performance and preparation.
Dec 22, 2025 · 25 min
Episode #242 Winter Nationals Review
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we break down everything that stood out from the recently completed USA Diving Winter Nationals. From breakout performances by young athletes to veterans showing why they continue to raise the standard, Winter Nationals once again proved to be one of the most important checkpoints in the domestic season.
Dec 15, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
Episode #241 Manny Pollard
This week’s episode features Manny Pollard, a name that carries real weight in the diving world. Manny’s journey has taken him from being a standout diver at Minnesota, to sharpening his coaching craft as an assistant diving coach at Texas, and now back home where he’s building something special. Manny joins the pod to talk about launching and running a Minnesota-based program with one clear mission: developing divers the right way and preparing them for the biggest stages in the sport. We dive into his philosophy on long-term athlete development, what he learned coaching at an elite collegiate program, and how he’s using those experiences to shape the next generation. This episode is packed with insight for young divers, parents, and coaches who care about growth, consistency, and doing things with purpose.
Dec 8, 2025 · 40 min
Episode #240 Winter Nationals Preview
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we dive into everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 USA Diving Winter Nationals. We break down the key storylines heading into the championship, highlight the athletes to watch on both springboard and platform, and explore how this year’s event will shape the early road toward the 2028 Olympic cycle.
Dec 1, 2025 · 47 min
Episode #239 Mohamed Farouk (Miami & Egypt)
In this episode, The Diving Pod sits down with Egyptian Olympian and current University of Miami standout Mohamed Farouk. Mohamed shares the story of his remarkable journey—from growing up in Egypt and discovering the sport of diving, to developing into one of the nation’s top athletes and ultimately representing his country on the Olympic stage. He reflects on his transition to the University of Miami, what it’s been like training and competing as a Hurricane, and how the program has helped elevate his performance to new levels. Mohamed also dives into the unique challenges and opportunities he faced coming from a country with a developing diving scene, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset and work ethic. Looking ahead, Mohamed opens up about his ambitions for the 2028 Olympic Games, giving listeners a glimpse into the training, focus, and personal drive fueling his next chapter. This episode offers a powerful blend of international perspective, resilience, and high-performance insight—don’t miss it.
Nov 24, 2025 · 54 min
Episode #238 Andrew Bennett (Minnesota)
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Bennett, standout senior diver at the University of Minnesota, to dive into his unique journey through the recruiting process and what ultimately led him to join the Gophers. Andrew shares what it’s been like training under legendary coach Wenbo Chen, offering insight into Wenbo’s coaching style, training environment, and the lessons that have shaped his development as an athlete. Andrew also opens up about his experience at the U.S. Olympic Trials, reflecting on the mental and physical preparation, the atmosphere on deck, and what he took away from competing on one of the biggest stages in the sport. Packed with perspective, honesty, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode gives listeners a closer look at one of Minnesota’s senior leaders and the path that brought him to the top of collegiate diving.
Nov 17, 2025 · 26 min
Episode #237 Max Flory Mentor Program (Miami & DDC)
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we welcome Max Flory, current Team USA diver and rising leader in the sport, to talk about his brand-new Max Flory Mentor Program. Balancing his own elite career with a drive to support the next generation, Max shares why he felt compelled to create a mentorship platform while still competing at the highest level. Max dives into how his experiences—both the highs and the challenges—shaped the program’s design. His goal is to help today’s divers develop in every area: technical refinement, training habits, mental preparation, navigating the pressures of high-performance sport, and even life management outside the pool. By offering individualized guidance, Max hopes to elevate athletes in ways he wishes were available earlier in his own journey. Interested divers, parents, and coaches can reach out directly at mentor@maxflory.com. And for Diving Pod listeners, Max is offering an exclusive 15% discount on new sign-ups. Use code DIVINGPOD15 when you join!
Nov 10, 2025 · 46 min
Episode #236 Ryan Rougeux (Louisville)
In this episode, we sit down with Louisville Diving Coach Ryan Rougeux, whose story is a true testament to perseverance, hometown pride, and passion for the sport. From growing up in Louisville to guiding one of his divers to the Olympic final stage, Ryan’s journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into how he built a top program right where it all began — the lessons learned along the way, the evolution of Louisville Diving, and what it means to reach the sport’s highest level. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or simply love a great underdog story, this conversation is packed with insight, authenticity, and inspiration from one of the sport’s most grounded and driven minds.
Nov 3, 2025 · 40 min
Episode #235 Juliette Landi (Auburn & France)
In this episode of The Diving Pod, we sit down with Auburn freshman Juliette Landi, one of diving’s most exciting young talents. Despite only beginning her diving journey around 2021–2022, Juliette has already made an incredible leap — earning a spot to represent France at the 2024 Olympic Games. 🇫🇷 Juliette shares what it’s been like stepping into the sport so recently and adapting to the elite level so quickly. She talks about her unique athletic background, growing up with high-level gymnastics coaches as parents, and how that foundation has shaped her approach to training, competition, and mindset. From discovering diving to performing on the world stage, Juliette’s story is a fascinating look at rapid growth, resilience, and what it takes to excel in a new sport. Tune in to hear Juliette’s journey, her experience at Auburn University, and her perspective on chasing big goals in a short amount of time.