Shows
Belarusian ThunderEp. 22 – Reverend Nicholas Beasley | "If God is so great and powerful, why do we suffer?""Please tune into this engaging and insightful episode as I welcome Reverend Nicholas Beasley, the distinguished rector at St. John's Episcopal Church in Columbia, SC. With a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in History, Reverend Beasley's expertise spans religion in early America, Christianity in early modern Europe, and the Atlantic World. His journey includes a Master's in Divinity from Yale University and a Bachelor's in European History from The University of the South. A Phi Beta Kappa member, Reverend Beasley is a beacon of wisdom and selflessness, serving as a cherished role model. In this episode, I explore the...2023-12-221h 12
Belarusian ThunderEp. 21 – Trey Custodio | Fantasy Author, Wrestling, Character Development, FamilyTrey, a current student athlete at Washington and Lee University, is a member of the class of 2026 and actively participates in the men's wrestling team. Beyond his athletic pursuits, Trey is a passionate writer who has dedicated the past few years to crafting a complex fantasy novel—a surprising interest that many might not anticipate. Despite his commitment to literary endeavors, Trey's contributions to the university's wrestling team at the 133lbs weight class have been significant. Notably, Trey stands out not only for his athletic prowess but also for his overwhelming selflessness, genuine demeanor, and light-hearted nature. It was a...2023-12-101h 06
Belarusian ThunderEp. 20 – Dr. Fredric Mau | Mastering the Mind: The Power of HypnosisGeorge Fredric Mau is a licensed clinical mental health counselor in private practice in Columbia, South Carolina, USA. He holds Doctor of Ministry, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, and Master of Divinity Degrees. Dr. Mau is an international keynote speaker, and has spoken at conferences in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Australia.
In additional to his active private counseling practice, Dr. Mau serves as Core Faculty for Graduate Medical Education in the Psychiatry Residency Training Program at the William J McCord Adolescent Treatment Facility. In this role he trains psychiatric residents (physicians) in psychotherapy.
As...2023-11-241h 02
Belarusian ThunderEp. 19 – Matt Majoy | Veganism, Christianity, Wrestling, RussianMatt Majoy is a Washington and Lee University alum who will soon be stationed at Fort Bragg, NC, serving in the US Military. Majoy is by far, one of the most genuine, positively facetious, and kind friends, teammates, and mentor I have had the pleasure of knowing. In this episode (recorded in the Spring of 2023), Matt and I causally enjoy talking about his transition to becoming a vegan, wrestling, languages, and more. Thank you, Matt, for a great episode! 2023-11-101h 21
Belarusian ThunderEp. 18 – Nic Zamaloff | Is Faith the Key to Experiencing God's Unconditional Love?Nic Zamaloff is a junior at Washington and Lee University, studying engineering and competing on the men's wrestling team. Nic "Zam" Zamaloff wrestles 157lbs this year, looking to to expand his talent and skill on the mat––but his drive extends beyond sports too. Zam is a dedicated follower of Christ who strives every day to represent himself and all christians the best he can. Although struggle and imperfection is inevitable, Zam doesn't shy away from this challenge, which is what makes him a well-rounded student, athelte, and sincere friend . I genuinely enjoyed recording this episode and I learned a lot...2023-10-271h 03
Belarusian ThunderEp. 17 – Mary Kate Murschell | W&L, The Mandela Effect, Study Abroad, TV ShowsMary Kate! What more to say?! My best friend at Washington and Lee University, MK is a a current junior studying Accounting and German. She has a passion for languages, foreign travel, and fashion. MK has always been someone to make me laugh, pick up others, and work hard––she is successful in anything she does, and takes any opportunity she can to learn. MK and I had a fun time recording this episode. Listen and enjoy to our fun talk!2023-10-1458 min
Belarusian ThunderEp. 16 – Devan Moore | DII NCAA Wrestling All-American, Mentality, College Football, Team CultureChapter Markers:
0:00 — Intro
02:54 — Mentality
08:20 — Religious Influence
10:31 — Team Culture
24:41 — Changing the Process
32:50 — Father Influence
38:05 — Our Beginnings
47:57 — College Football Podcasting
1:01:57 — Team Culture 2
1:14:14 — Outro
Devan Moore, a student and accomplished wrestler at Newberry College, emerged as a 2023 Division II NCAA All-American, securing the 8th position and leading his team to another successful season. Known for his humility and genuine camaraderie, Devan's off-the-mat character is as remarkable as his wrestling skills. Additionally, he hosts "The 912 Overtime Podcast" on Spotify, offering a platform where he explores the stories of athletes, showcasing his multifaceted talents and making a significant impact both in the sporting arena and the podcasting world. D...2023-10-1438 min
Belarusian ThunderEp. 15 – Devin Bateman | Superpowers, The Sheppard Center, Swimming, PodcastingDevin Bateman is a name that resonates with positivity and sportsmanship. A Junior at Washington and Lee University, he is known for his unwavering optimism and the infectious energy he brings to every room he enters. Born and raised in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Devin has made a remarkable mark as a member of the Men's Swim Team. Before his college journey, Devin honed his swimming skills at Stafford Senior High School. Over his high school career, he earned four coveted letters in the swimming team, demonstrating his commitment and passion for the sport. Devin's crowning achievements came when he became a...2023-10-111h 18
Belarusian ThunderEp. 14 – Coach Dave Forman | Weightlifitng, Journey to W&L, Mega-Spikeball, Craziest Lifting Experience, Team BondingDave Forman, an accomplished strength and conditioning professional, assumed the role of Washington and Lee Head Coach of Strength and Conditioning and Assistant Professor of Physical Education in 2022. Notably, he spearheaded the transformation of Virginia Military Institute's football team, facilitating their first winning season and Southern Conference championship in over 40 years. Recognized as a Master Strength and Conditioning Coach by the CSCCA, Forman's expertise also shone during his tenure at the University of Colorado and San Jose State University, where his impact on football performance garnered national attention. He played a pivotal role in Stanford University's football success under Jim...2023-10-111h 24
Belarusian ThunderEp. 13 – J'Mari Lowman | Fears, Free Will, Optimism, Father and Son Relationship, Work EthicJ'Mari Lowman is an aspiring sophomore at Washington and Lee University, where he actively participates in the university's wrestling team. Known for his unwavering positivity and strong work ethic, J'Mari consistently supports those around him before tending to his own needs. I had the pleasure of recording an episode with J'Mari, where laughed and delved into his experience with illness that hindered his attendance during his freshman year in the fall of 2021. Our conversation revolved around the profound influence of our parents in our lives, the world of wrestling, and the significance of maintaining a positive outlook. If you ever...2023-10-111h 01
Belarusian ThunderEp. 12 – Michael Shinkar | Christianity Conversion, Ashkenazi Heritage, Escaping Nihilism, Swearing, AIMichael Shinkar is a rising junior at Washington and Lee University, pursuing a major in Economics while also hoping to minor in Classics and Philosophy. He was born and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, and comes from a background of Ashkenazi Jewish and Northeastern European ancestry. Despite being raised without a predominate religion in his household, Michael became a devout Anglican Christian. He has a deep interest in theology and history outside of school, which has led him to explore various aspects of these subjects. Apart from his academic pursuits, Michael is an avid hiker and swimmer who enjoys...2023-10-111h 06
Belarusian ThunderEp. 11 – Chris Torre | Business AI, Photography, South American Culture, Spanish, Portuguese, & Russian LanguagesChris Torre is probably the nicest guy you will ever meet, and his enthusiasm he brought to this conversation made for an engaging and fun episode. Chris is a rising senior at Washington and Lee University. Outside of studying business, Spanish, and Portuguese, Chris practices as an exceptional videographer, photographer, and language enthusiast. As Chris best says on his LinkedIn, "I have a love for storytelling through various means, whether it be through a camera lens or words on paper. I have an affinity for interacting with new people and working in groups and am open to all opportunities." On...2023-10-1154 min
Belarusian ThunderEp. 10 – Harrison Kelly | 2023 NCAA Qualifier, AI and the Future, Cooking, Philosophy, MentalityHarrison Kelly is a rising senior at Washington and Lee University, pursuing a double major in Philosophy and Business Administration. Alongside his academic pursuits, Harrison is an accomplished athlete, competing on the university's wrestling team. His dedication and hard work paid off in a successful season, culminating in his qualification for the NCAA Tournament in 2023. Harrison is an avid learner and a tenacious competitor, always seeking to broaden his knowledge and excel in various areas of his life. During our episode, I had the pleasure of engaging with Harrison on topics ranging from wrestling to food and cooking, philosophy, competitive...2023-10-111h 15
Belarusian ThunderEp. 09 – Watson Deacon + Harper O'Connor | Medieval times, Movies, Apocalypse, Religion, AliensWatson Deacon is a rising senior at Washington and Lee University. If you don't know Watson, he is a very charismatic, entertaining, and genuine friend. It is always fun to talk to Watson, and you can learn a lot from him! His hometown friend growing up in Kansas, Harper O'Connor, is no less entertaining and enlightening––his fascination with content creation (@HarperOC on YouTube), learning, and history, made for an amazing guest appearance. Thank you both for one of the best episodes yet.2023-10-111h 21
Belarusian ThunderEp. 08 – Dr. Lisa Greer | Coral Reef Preservation, Music, Climate Change, Geology, TravelDr. Lisa Greer is a Professor of Earth and Environmental Geoscience at Washington and Lee University. With a Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Miami and a B.A. in Geology from The Colorado College, she brings extensive expertise to her research and this episode. Dr. Greer focuses on habitat assessment and the decline of the Caribbean coral Acropora cervicornis. Her published article in "PLOS ONE" titled "Coral Gardens Reef, Belize: A refugium in the face of Caribbean-wide Acropora spp. coral decline" highlights the importance of this reef as a sanctuary. On this episode, Dr...2023-10-111h 11
Belarusian ThunderEp. 07 – Tade Omisore | Weightlifting, Life in Nigeria, Premed & Business, WrestlingTade Omisore is a scholar, athlete and entrepreneur. His family is from Nigeria however he is a native of New Jersey. He is a student at Washington and Lee university on track to acquire a bachelor of science in Biology and Business Administration. When he is not studying for the MCAT or flipping Harper in the wreslting room, he is working as a independent contractor for cutting-edge start-ups where he merges his passion for healthcare and AI technology. In fact, he's currently involved with not one, but two groundbreaking ventures that are revolutionizing the industry. Additionally, he is also an...2023-10-1146 min
Belarusian ThunderEp. 06 – Prof. Paul Youngman | W&L Past and Present, Army Special Forces, German Culture, COVID-19, Chat GPTPaul Youngman is the Associate Provost for Academic Development and Operations and Professor of German at Washington and Lee University. In this role, Youngman oversees various academic departments and initiatives, including the Harte Center for Teaching and Learning and the Fellowships Office, and manages budgets and space allocation. Youngman is also an accomplished researcher, with a focus on the cultural reception of technology in Germany, as evidenced in his published works such as Black Devil and Iron Angel and We are the Machine. He has also published on nanoscience and technology, and edited a volume on computer modeling applications in...2023-10-111h 08
Belarusian ThunderEp. 05 – Tetiana Kozachanska | Ukrainian Heritage, Russia-Ukraine War, Ethnic Cuisines, TravelGenuinely, one of my favorite conversations, Tetiana “Tania” Kozachanska joined me to record an episode! Tania and I discuss the many facets of her life that have shaped who she is. Born and raised Kyiv, Ukraine, Tania is not defined by the recent war-events persisting in her home country, although it certainly has an influence in how she chooses to hold herself. Tania is a first-year at Washington and Lee University pursuing a major in environmental studies, with a double minor in Poverty and Human Capability studies and German language. On this episode, Tania and I share many laughs, personal stor...2023-10-111h 09
Belarusian ThunderEp. 04 – Alex Winant | Hunting, Philosophy, Absolute Language, Political Leaders, TwitterAlex Winant is a Washington and Lee University Class of 2023 alumnus and previous student-athlete on the university's men's wrestling team. He completed a double major in Business Administration and Philosophy. Alex is a great friend, who is very thought-provoking, entertaining, and humble, in all that he does. In this episode, Alex and I delve into a broad range of topics, including how philosophy and language shape our perception of the world, the dangers of narcissism and ignorance in leadership, and even take a deep dive into the realm of Twitter. This thought-provoking episode is not one to miss, and it...2023-10-111h 24
Belarusian ThunderEp. 03 – Prof. Dmitry Zhukovskiy | film & directing, Soviet Union, Russia-Ukraine warDmitry “Dima” Zhukovskiy is a native Russian teaching assistant at Washington and Lee University. Dima is originally from Moldova where he grew up with his Ukrainian father, Russian mother, and older brother. Dima has a background in theater, acting, directing, and is currently in the final stages of producing a documentary on Igor Gouzenko and his influence on the Cold War. On this episode, Dima expands on what it was like growing up during the Soviet Union. He reminisces on his early stages of his life, and he shares his thoughts on the current war in Ukraine.2023-10-111h 04
Belarusian ThunderEp. 02 – Diwesh Kumar | Investment Banking, Pakistani and American culture, Washington and Lee Univ.Diwesh Kumar is a junior undergraduate at Washington and Lee University, where he is currently pursuing a double major in mathematics and economics. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, Diwesh grew up in a house of five, living in an apartment for most of his life. His passion for learning and unique perspective on life earned him the Washington and Lee Johnson Scholarship, and he has taken advantage of all the school has to offer thus far. Diwesh is seeking a career in investment banking and will be living in San Fransisco this summer. On this episode, Diwesh breaks down...2023-10-111h 21
Belarusian ThunderEp. 01 – Ryan Luth | NCAA wrestling, music, family & relationships.Ryan Luth is a multi-talented collegiate wrestler and music artist known for his impressive wrestling record, including 101 wins and top finishes at the NCAA Championships, earning 4th and 5th place in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Growing up in Milford, Connecticut, Ryan discovered his passion for wrestling at a young age and has since become a top competitor. Additionally, Ryan is an accomplished music artist, releasing new hip-hop songs under the stage name thatkidRYN, including the popular tracks "NEO" and "Front Door," and recently "SEASHORE." Currently, Ryan is a student at Washington and Lee University, where he is finalizing his English major. In...2023-10-111h 03
Belarusian ThunderPilotThis pilot episode introduces myself, this podcast series, and provides an overview of what I hope to learn and share with you all. The name was inspired by my mother who would yell "Belarusian Thunder" as loud as she could whenever I would compete in my sport competitions. I was born in Minsk, Belarus, adopted at 16 months old, which is how I was quickly nicknamed "Belarusian Thunder" by my family members. As for the series, I hope you all are as entertained and educated as I am by the end of each episode. To my guests, thank you all for...2023-10-1101 min