Shows
The Scuba Diving Podcast107 | My first hand experience in the NEW scuba system that is shaking up the dive industry foreverAfter the wildly popular interview with the inventor of Avelo, I had to go and actually take this thing in the water for some real diving. My wife Katie and I tested the new Avelo Dive System and could not believe it. From a lighter walk down to the water (and less grunting during suit-up), to a natural, cleaner, and more streamlined dive, it was definitely an upgrade in the overall diving experience.It did require a readjustment in the whole experience, but once we did it was one step backward, ten steps forward.2025-07-2729 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast106 | The largest Scuba Diving competition in the world | Scuba Queen USA empowers women divers.Find out what it takes to be a Scuba Queen, and compete in the Miss International Pageant, as well as gain a sense of community in the scuba diving world!The National Director of Scuba Queen USA, Marina Inserra, has a talk with Kenny Dyal about the purpose of Scuba Queens, The Scuba Queen USA Pageant, and the Miss Scuba International Pageant.The world competes in multiple talent presentations for multiple titles, while cultivating a mentorship for young women who wish to become scuba divers and leaders in their communities.Scuba Queen USA builds confidence, teaches dance and performance...2025-07-0309 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast105 | How to Make a Career in Scuba Diving – Kenny Dyal’s Dive Industry Secrets, Tips, & Story🎙️ How to Make a Living in Scuba Diving | Interview with Kenny Dyal | Scuba Business & Marketing TipsIn this interview, James Carbary, CEO of Sweetfish Media sits down with Kenny Dyal — seasoned safety diver, NAUI Course Director, and founder of Sweetwater Scuba — to break down how you can build a successful career in scuba diving. Whether you're a dive instructor, shop owner, or just curious about turning your passion into a profession, this conversation is packed with insights.👉 Topics Covered:How to start a career in scuba divingTips for teaching independently or owning a dive shopMaking money through social media...2025-06-1918 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast104 | Last Breath movie explained | Interview with Director Alex Parkinson & Producer David BrooksThe Last Breath is based on the unbelievable true story of a diving accident. Kenny speaks with movie Director Alex Parkinson and Producer David Brooks to better understand the thought process behind the movie. Both Guests are co-writers of the 2025 movie, and give an inside look at some of the behind-the-scenes challenges and obstacles. Spoiler Alert: This is an early review and discussion of plot points and questions about the Last Breath. If you haven’t seen the movie yet, I’d definitely recommend it!Our interview discusses how actors Fin Cole, Simu Liu and Woody...2025-03-0216 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast103 | The Scuba Diving world is about to change forever | Inventor Aviad Cahana breaks down the The Avelo Dive System with Kenny DyalThe inventor of Avelo explains exactly how it works and why it’s changing how people go scuba diving.Aviad Cahana invented this new system, intended to make scuba diving easier, more accessible, and just a lot more fun.Buoyancy Control is no longer an obstacle, especially for new divers and students.Scuba Diving is also somewhat restrictive due to carrying lots of weight (especially shore diving), and this reduces the overall weight a diver has on their back.Scuba Diving is not only safer with this system, but it also re...2025-02-2714 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast101 | Scuba Tank myths busted: Dive Industry Expert debunks common cylinder misconceptions.Mark Gresham of PSI - PCI is a renowned industry leader in the dive and compressed gas industry. He debunks myths and disinformation about scuba tanks (formally called cylinders), offering detailed explanations.
Some of the controversial topics include:
Are titanium regulators flammable when filled with Nitrox? (or blended / partial pressure oxygen mixes)
Is there any reason to roll or shake scuba tanks to mix the blended gas inside?
Should valve hand wheels on a scuba tank still be turned back a quarter turn?
Does the air in a scuba tank go bad after a while?
What makes a VIP...2025-02-0315 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast100 | New Scuba Gear brand NEX is taking the industry by storm | An Impromptu Exclusive InterviewScuba Divers are wildly attached to their gear, especially their regulator!
That makes this all the more bold of a move by Jared Berg, who plunged head-first into a crowded, and ultimately tiny market space.
But… NEX is now emerging as one of the top scuba equipment manufacturers in recreational AND technical diving. To prove it, NEX Underwater Products has already won two awards:
Scuba Lab’s Tester’s Choice for 2022
Scuba Lab’s Best Buy for 2023
Jared’s passion spills onto everything he builds, and it’s for all to see. H...2025-01-2005 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast99 | TOP Scuba Diver destination in the world | History of Diving Museum in The Florida KeysEvery scuba diver must visit this location at some point in their life. My only regret is not going sooner.
We noticed that it’s just as mind-blowing to non-divers and kids as it is to certified divers. I also believe it inspires many to go and get involved in the world of scuba diving.
In this interview, I speak with the executive director, Lisa Mongelia while at the DEMA Show. She not only gives us some foundational history, but some of the most interesting points and facts about the museum itself.
I als...2024-12-0708 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast98 | Scuba Diving is FINALLY getting the change it needed | This is the future of scuba divingScuba diving has been stuck in the stone age for a while. Here is a recap of, in my opinion, why we are going to catch up to the other big sports rather quickly.
We’ve all seen the endless, well-intentioned attempts at a new dive app like how to find dive locations, log a dive, or an agency app (like PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, BSAC, CMAS, etc.).
But I see people light up when they realize they can store ALL of their certs and cross-validate dive logs. It tracks professional divers and operators so yo...2024-12-0418 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast97 | Young women are reshaping the Dive Industry | Bella Zandoná talks Photography & Cold WaterBella Zandoná dives the dark, cold waters of the Pacific Northwest packing a Marelux camera rig while wearing a drysuit. She is proof that scuba diving doesn’t need to be a macho sport for “tough guys”, and everyone with a love of the ocean should get involved. Bella loves shooting macro underwater photography, capturing the hidden sea life that enchants those less-traveled ocean floors.
Bella is an ambassador for Marelux camera equipment, as well as Suunto dive computers.
I bumped into her at DEMA, where she was on the showroom floor.
Bella also give...2024-11-2910 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast96 | Every Mermaid should learn to scuba dive FIRST. Career advice from a full-time MermaidHaley Mermaid explains exactly how she became a full-time Mermaid Performer and tips for other merfolk to break into those paid gigs.
We cover a lot in this sit-down interview, from training tips to tail making pointers, plus safety concerns for parents with kids who want to learn to be a mermaid. She also lists specific steps to getting jobs as a mermaid.
Finally, the big reason Scuba Certification is the biggest asset in mermaid training. We get into the real reasons why Scuba is more helpful than freediving for mermaid safety and character performance...2024-10-0619 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast95 | Come with me to the FIRST EVER Scuba Diving Expo | There’s a new dive convention in town!This was the perfect dive convention between the DEMA Show and The Scuba Show, and was much bigger than I expected. Loaded with vendors ranging from Tusa to Aqualung, Stream2Sea to Fourth Element, and even Huish Outdoors (Atomic, Zeagle, Suunto, Oceanic and others). They also gave out prizes, had mermaids on the scene, and even free food trucks!Aggieland Scuba has outdone themselves in creating something that has become an instant staple, and probably too big to contain in College Station, TX. Join me as I cover the Dive Expo from start to finish, setup to...2024-10-0419 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast94 | HOW to run a Dive Shop without losing money | Owner tells the secret to 'Living the Dream'Jennifer Opiela-Miksch is a co-owner of AggieLand Scuba, a full-service retail dive shop in College Station, Texas.
She’s running a success story of financial AND personal growth, with the simple ingredient to growing the store and enjoying the job revealed here in this interview.
Jennifer has also helped launch the Dive Expo for their 10 year anniversary. This is a community of scuba retail, equipment service, liveaboard charters, mermaid schools and of course scuba training and trips. The Dive Expo is quickly growing into the “stop gap” between the Scuba Show and DEMA, with the conven...2024-08-0712 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast93 | Scuba Divers can finally FIND each other, link up, & plan Trips with New Buddy RadarFinally, you can find somebody to dive with. Even better, you can find divers in your area that have similar interests and skills!
Kenny jumps on a video call with Alexis to discuss exciting new technology that links divers up with each other.
The new “Radar” feature notifies you of divers in your area. You can chat, dive together, just ask questions about the area… but it’s divers talking to divers, and this is incredible.
This is worth talking about because it has officially been released!
PS -don’t forget to find and add me on Buddy!
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Download Buddy App fo...2024-07-1621 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast92 | How to become an Underwater Photography & Videography professional | Kewin LorenzenEpic underwater photography and videography are some of the incredible accomplishments of Kewin Lorenzen. He’s a shark conservationist, cave diving explorer, tech diver, artist, and above all, an underwater photographer.
He’s shot several renowned videos and photos for TV programs and sits on the board of directors for “People of the Water”, a non-profit dedicated to strengthening human understanding of our oceans.
Finally, he works together with his spouse, Cristina Zenato, who is famously known for her underwater work with sharks.
We discuss tricks to becoming a better underwater photographer, videographer, cave div...2024-07-0209 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast91 | How a Popular Dive Boat Captain handles tense situations on the water, especially with Divers & Snorkelers everywhere!Captain G was the most popular boat captain I have ever seen. Guests would arrive like old friends calling him by name. So after visiting the Amoray Dive Resort in Key Largo for another interview, I just had to interview the famous Captain G.
Before the interview, I had the opportunity to go out on two dive drive trips, totalling 4 dives in a single day. He was our captain for both trips, and was fantastic. He had the boat laughing at briefings, never missed a beat, and was approachable. He always seemed to be enjoying himself, and...2024-06-1913 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast90 | The only dive resort in The Florida Keys just got an upgrade. Kenny sits down with owner Jeff Gneiser on location.Amoray Dive Resort is the only dedicated dive resort in the Florida Keys.
In fact, Key Largo is considered the “Scuba Diving Capital of the World”. Jeff Gneiser (and his wife, Cynthia) own the PADI 5 Star Dive Operation that operates with the resort. Jeff sat down with me to tell the story of how they’ve renovated and expanded the facility, and what it takes to be a 2023 and 2024 award-winning dive operation. They took us to the reefs and the famous Spiegel Grove shipwreck, and we stayed a few nights at the resort. After seeing some of the loc...2024-05-2923 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast89 | Liz Parkinson is who James Cameron calls when he needs to make Avatar moviesLiz Parkinson is, in my humble opinion, the world’s greatest underwater stunt performer, athlete, and real-life Aquaman (and by Aquaman I mean Aquawoman!)
You might be shocked how she ended up in movies, and what led her to being the “go to” in-water trainer for A-list celebrities. If you’re James Cameron and you need the best person in the world to perform your underwater stunts for a billion dollar movie franchise, you’d better call Liz.
If you don't think being involved with waterspouts like free diving and scuba diving will never open any big doo...2024-05-2217 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast88 | Hyperbaric Chamber: Our deepest fears about diving injuries are explained while touring a REAL treatment facility!In this episode we go inside the hyperbaric chamber, and ask everything you’d ever want to know about actually going in! Or, as owner and operator Mitch Hall puts it, “going down”.
The hyperbaric chambers are used not only to treat scuba diving related injuries, but heal wounds and have other benefits to your health. He explains what it all means, how they work, and has some very surprising stories about some past divers that got into trouble (and a cautionary tale to those cavalier divers out there!)
He gave me a tour of the en...2024-03-1523 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast87 | Scuba Diving Accidents are what DAN does | Marketing Director Steve Jamroz says it's not all bad news...Divers Alert Network’s (DAN) marketing director Steve Jamroz gives us a peek behind the curtain of the world’s most famous SCUBA organization.
DAN helps develop treatments, preventions, best practices and insurance for diving related accidents, illnesses, and even trip or business losses. They research prevention on everything from equipment safety to Decompression Sickness (DCS), as well as new training techniques. DAN also has a free Medical Services department you can call anytime to ask about potential conditions that could prevent you from diving. Their medical professionals can also offer guidance to your own doctor, whereas they...2024-02-1510 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast86 | Making money in Scuba Diving is HARD because connecting is hard. Marketing is the biggest challenge for Professional Divers, Instructors, & Resorts. Here’s the fix.In this showcase episode of the Buddy App, we go after the CORE reason the dive industry struggles to produce income earners: connection.
The top question I get is “where do you suggest I go?” or “where can I learn to dive in my area?” or “who has dive trips around that area?” Despite all of the search engines on our smartphones and apps, this question is still going strong.
This feature of the buddy app let’s dive shops, charters, resorts and even Independent Scuba Instructors create their own platform to connect with divers, and gets them...2024-02-1313 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast85 | Tech Diving vs Recreational Diving | Why these Worlds Collide, & why they SHOULDN'TThere’s been a longstanding rift between Technical Diving and Recreational Diving in some circles, but does it have to be like that? Not according to Chris Foisey aka "The Modern Diver" -host of one of the largest scuba equipment review channels on the internet. He explains the importance of learning proper finning, trim and buoyancy, but also gets the value of fun (HINT: It’s the whole reason we do this) Chris is easily the most relaxed, educated, and easy-to-listen-to gear critic out there, with thoughtful breakdowns that let the diver actually make decisions for themselves, vs just an o...2024-01-2517 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast84 | Scuba Gear buying just got Easier | Dive App lets divers instantly see & connect with other Divers' equipmentStrong opinions, confusion, and being overwhelmed with getting started are all part of this beast…
The good news is we have an absolute GAME CHANGER:
Once and for all, the dive gear dilemma of not knowing where to go, who to talk to, or where to even start is OVER.
Alexis Jabbour, founder of The Buddy App, talks about how dive gear is now connecting people through sharing. Anyone can add gear to their dive log (even if it’s rental) so nothing gets lost. Dive buddies can see what their friends are wearing and lite...2024-01-1721 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast83 | Growing Coral Reefs 50x faster is possible through Coral Vita's unique land-based processAlannah Vellacott is truly a creature of the Caribbean Waters, in every possible sense. She's been famously dubbed "The Real Life Little Mermaid" by many notable figures, and for good reason.
Aside from freediving, scuba diving, working on several Shark Week episodes, and simply living the Island Life we all dream about… she actually works to preserve and rebuild the very world that sustains her lifestyle (and the planet, for that matter!)
Land Based Coral restoration with Coral Vita is a unique process that she explains with great enthusiasm during our interview. It's a system th...2024-01-0613 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast82 | Ellie Hudson is the content marketing Brains behind big scuba names like DAN, PADI, & DeeperBlue. She also hosts Girls That Scuba’s PodcastEllie is as charming as she is talented, with more big scuba names under her belt than… maybe anyone. Known by her screen name as “Scuba Ellie”, she’s responsible for connecting Scuba Diving with the rest of the world in profound way. She works using brilliant visual photography, videography, editing, and just being awesome at diving.
She creates content for the dive industry full-time, she’s a Scuba Instructor, and dives everything from the tropics to drysuits, aluminums to doubles.
Ellie discusses how to handle social media burnout, negative comments, and of course what NOW fills...2023-12-1814 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast81 | Scubapro Rep & Navy Seal Ed Rasmussen gets candid with his opinions of Recreational scuba diving today, & working as an Equipment RepEd Rasmussen is part of the Scubapro Team, including the Deep Elite Global Team, a Scubapro global government manager. Ed was also an active Navy Seal, who went on regular deployments. He is now a Divemaster, helping to liaison the recreational dive industry with defense departments, law enforcement, and emergency services.
Ed is a big supporter of those who served in the Armed Forces. He’s received an avalanche of subscribers to his now-iconic Instagram page @ ecrazz
-loaded with facts and historical video ranging from equipment breakdowns to covert operation footage.
Ed now en...2023-12-0817 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast80 | Stephan Whelan is the most influential person in Scuba Diving, & founder of DeeperBlueKenny sits down with the founder of Deeper Blue, the world’s largest community for scuba divers.
Stephan is larger than life, throwing the number one party to be at during the number one scuba diving gathering on the planet. His love of the ocean flows like a perfect cocktail. Always upbeat, hilarious, and seems to be close friends with the entire worldwide scuba industry (I’m kind of not kidding).
He explains what DeeperBlue does, how it got started, the future, and what he would love to see improve in the dive industry as a wh...2023-12-0114 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast79 | Using Magic to Teach Scuba Diving absolutely blows my mind! -With Scuba Magician Chef AntonChef Anton is an Award-winning magician who can actually teach and certify a PADI scuba specialty course using underwater magic!
He uses magic to help make scuba diving concepts easier to understand, relieve anxiety, and foster better learning.
Further, it helps paint a better picture of concepts like nitrogen buildup, compression and expansion, and all those core fundamentals that can be tough to grasp for new divers. Aside from making learning easier, underwater magic makes everything a LOT more fun!
I was completely mesmerized during this interview. He performed REAL magic tricks right...2023-11-2510 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast78 | Scuba Instructor & Beach Patrol over 40 years, the WILD yet charming perspective of Legend Don BouerA fixture in the Daytona Beach area, Don Bouer has one of the most unusual takes on just about anything water related. He’s a master of aquatics, spending decades protecting swimmers & tourists in one of the busiest beaches in Florida, which also happens to be the home of the shark attack capital of the world, New Smyrna Beach (Ponce Inlet). It’s also known as a dangerous area for swimmers due to the currents, waves, rip tides and tidal changes, combined with such a high number of annual visitors.
Don teaches scuba diving, swimming, and seems to k...2023-11-2016 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast77 | As Paper Dive Logs become Obsolete, the Buddy App allows Validation with ALL scuba agenciesThis is the only app that verifies and works for ALL agencies. So any active professional can verify any diver, on any dive.
The other big thing that caught my attention was the fact that in books- a signature or stamp leaves with the diver or student- so there’s no way for that professional to show how many logs they’ve verified, and they both lose contact as soon as that book closes.
I’m 100% all for these, vs paper that can get lost, destroyed, and doesn’t keep that connection on both ends.
As a professional or dive instruct...2023-11-0815 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast76 | Comedian tries Scuba Diving for the first time ever! -with "OMGitswicks""OMGitswicks" tries scuba diving with Kenny and the Sweetwater Crew, and lives to sit down and talk about it!
Not only do we talk about that first experience scuba diving, but what it’s like running a social media personality with millions of followers, and making content everyday.
In fact, some swimmers down at a remote freshwater spring in Florida immediately recognized him while we were getting ready to dive.
Wicks is just as funny in person as he is with his sketch comedy, and wild Florida observations.
We talk gators, cr...2023-10-2726 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast75 | Scuba Radio host Greg Holt & Kenny discuss diver mentality, what motivates divers, & why people love divingKenny was invited in-studio to interview the host of Scuba Radio, Greg “The Divemaster” Holt. Founded in 1997, Scuba Radio is the oldest (and only) nationally syndicated terrestrial radio show for scuba divers (that’s like OG radio on the dial!) His interpretation of why people go scuba diving gives some serious food for thought. We discuss motivations for going scuba diving, why people tune into his show, golf vs scuba, some issues facing the dive industry, and even the late Jimmy Buffett.
This whole show is basically a bunch of divers talking about diving at a waterside Tiki B...2023-10-2023 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast74 | Social Media is now the lifeblood of Scuba Diving, & anybody who wants to succeed should take note!In my continuing showcase series of the Buddy App, we talk about Social Media and the integration of the “Sharebuilder” feature. While the app’s ability to integrate with social media accounts might seem like a meager topic on the surface - social is now the bloodline of Scuba Diving interest, and is indispensable for attracting new divers.
We discuss the importance of social (for all its flaws) in diving, due to its visual nature. Alexis and her Buddy team did not overlook this critical element of the diving community, and went above and beyond.
Althou...2023-10-1117 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast73 | Backplate & Wing should replace the Jacket Style BC for scuba training - with Taylor SchottAfter reading a highly compelling blog by Independent Scuba Instructor Taylor Schott, I had to have her as a Guest on the show. We’ve seen this argument before, but not so eloquently explained. In fact, her blog was so well-written that I tracked her down and actually convinced her to come talk to me about it. The pros and cons are laid out in an unbiased, friendly way, and nobody is being “put down” or lambasted for having a different opinion than Taylor. That vibe (and temperament) is something we need more of in the dive...2023-10-0419 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast72 | Crosskix Shoes -Wear them with scuba diving FINS! We had to talk about these at the Surf ExpoThe Sweetwater crew ran into Crosskix VP Mike Beverly, and decided this was worth the interview.
His company makes a washable, high-end shoe that works in water AND in your dive fins. It keeps debris out, can be hosed down, and drains in an almost entertaining way.
These are THE shoes used by major cruise lines like Norwegian and Carnival, waterpark and resort staff, and even Universal Studios.
Mike let us ransack his booth, took the time to walk us through the details, and might have even bought us beers while we walked t...2023-09-2107 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E16 | Her Mask Defog put Stream2Sea on the Map for Scuba Divers, & are saving coral reefs!Autumn Blum started Stream2Sea in 2015, in rural Florida. Her factory opened in 2019, just before the pandemic. She almost lost her business due to the sudden halt of orders from cruise lines and recreation, but found a creative way to save her business, and grew it even bigger (the full story is toward the end of the interview, so make sure to stick around for the epic solution! HINT: Orange peels)
Stream2Sea is now the gold standard of eco-minded (and healthy) sunblock and skin products in stores, ranging from Whole Foods to the most reputable scuba dive shops around...2023-09-1624 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E15 | How a Marine Biologist created Fin Pin with her love of the Ocean, Puns & all things AquaticYasmin talks about artistic inspiration for everyone’s favorite underwater art!
Fin Pin Shop is officially the center of the universe at every trade show (Shark Con and DEMA to name a few) and of course they’re in popular dive shops and ocean-themed gift shops from sea to shining sea!
This isn’t just a scuba diver wonderland of art and trinkets, Fin Pin is made and supported by Marine Biologists (like Yasmin and Jaclyn), conservationists and artists. They have a massive online and social media presence, donate to a MULTITUDE of wildlife and aquari...2023-09-0407 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E14 | Unexpected relationship advice from a Scuba Diver | Couples working together need to hear this (especially divers)!RJ is the fiancé to owner and creator of Spacefish Army (Morgan Oughton). However, RJ was there from the beginning, behind-the-scenes, offering support, labor, and rolling with the wild turns of life.
From a secret relationship on a live aboard charter (for NINE months!), to launching a clothing line, and now helping with trade shows, RJ explains how they both work so well together, stay happy, and continue to grow everyone’s favorite outerwear brand.
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Make sure to watch (or listen to) the Interview that started it all with Spacefish Army: S3:E09 and th...2023-09-0206 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E13 | Get SEEN on the world’s FIRST legit, central hub for scuba diversIn this showcase series we talk about the most innovative integration into a dive app ever created - the Discover Feed.
This is truly a hub, newsfeed, and showcase for scuba divers to get a pulse on the community, dive industry, and most importantly, what their buddies are doing.
I just keep getting more excited about this app every time a new update drop.
If you’d like to contribute, submit your own story, or maybe even write for Buddy, go directly to their website, or click here: https://divewithbuddy.com/discoverstories
A...2023-08-2916 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E12 | DeepSea Magazine creator Jeff Scott FINALLY connects Commercial divers, Navy divers, Tech, & local recreational SCUBA diving in a way that lifts up the entire underwater community.***To donate directly to the MAUI FIRES FUNDRAISER, please visit this page: https://ilimanator.com/maui/
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Founder of @deepseamagazine Jeff Scott has launched so many locally-focused brands that I had trouble keeping up. In fact, I really wanted to know HOW he found time for them all, and do it so seamlessly. That was one of many questions I had the honor of asking him throughout the interview, but the main focus was on the new DeepSea Magazine channel. DeepSea channel has featured everyone from Fabien Cousteau, to the upcoming collaboration with Cristina Zenato.
2023-08-2719 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E11 | Is Fin Pin the new "Beanie Baby craze" for scuba divers & mermaids? Their Ocean themed artwork is one of THE most popular names in the aquatic lifestyleThe Fin Pin Shop is officially the center of the universe for fun grabs at every trade show (Shark Con and DEMA to name a few) and of course they’re in popular dive shops and ocean-themed gift shops from sea to shining sea!
This isn’t just a scuba diver wonderland of art and trinkets, Fin Pin is made and supported by Marine Biologists, conservationists and artists. They have a massive online and social media presence, donate to a MULTITUDE of wildlife and aquarium charities, plus use smart and sustainable packaging and materials!
How does...2023-08-1112 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E10 | Why doesn't Scuba Diving have big-named sponsors like other outdoor hobbies & water sports? | Finally, the app called Buddy is bringing divers into the mainstream & getting them seen.Scuba Diving ALAS has a company supporting the entire sport, including both recreational, professional and social media enthusiasts. Like many other outdoor sports and recreational activities, the Dive with buddy team is catching scuba diving up. This interview takes place with the mastermind behind the Buddy App, Alexis Jabbour. With the 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is quickly making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform. It’s changing the landscape for scuba divers, freedivers, and snorkelers with constant new features rolling out with each monthly update.
Not only can dives be validated and buddies be added to a...2023-08-0712 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E09 | Dive professional explains how to work on a Liveaboard Yacht Charter AND launch a new business (the now legendary Spacefish Army)Morgan Oughton makes the jump from her New York City design job to working on a Live Aboard charter… all while launching the legendary Spacefish Army outerwear line. Her designs and products can now be found around the globe in retail dive centers and watersports venues, as well anywhere that ships online.
She goes deep into life on a liveaboard charter, and how that lifestyle works (and how it sometimes doesn’t). More surprising, she finds her life partner AND manages to launch Spacefish Army, all while working 16 hour days (and keeping the relationship a secret).
Th...2023-07-2921 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E08 | Tech Diving Instructor & Commercial Salvage Diver Red Sullivan talks nasty dive sites, dangerous situations, & even teaching students. He also shares his home remedy for his famous "Ear Beer"Red Sullivan owns a scuba gear service company and commercial dive salvage operation called Bluewater Diving, based in Daytona Beach, FL.
While working on gear or teaching technical diving courses such as Rebreather, Cavern & Cave Diving, Red listens each day on his massive radio tower for the call.
Calls come in requesting help with sunken boats, a need to sink a boat to form an artificial reef, or even airplanes and cars that find themselves on the bottom of a local pond or waterway. Red spends his in between time at the work bench, servicing...2023-07-2210 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E07 | BEST SCUBA DIVING APP EVER possibly just for this one reason | Tips, & Diver Résumé | The Scuba Diving Podcast with Buddy creator Alexis JabbourIn this showcase series of the best scuba diving app on the market today, we discuss how divers can setup a profile, and (finally) get tipped! This interview takes place on the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, with Guest Alexis Jabbour. She’s the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now over 2.5 years in the making! With the Summer 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.
With the tipping feature built right into the Buddy Profile, we no longer have...2023-07-1908 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E06 | Number One reason divers stop diving: Nobody to dive with. This is the best solution yet.In this showcase series of the best scuba diving app on the market today, we discuss adding buddies in the Buddy App. This interview takes place on the beaches of Oahu, Hawaii, with Guest Alexis Jabbour. She’s the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now over 2.5 years in the making! With the Summer 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as a disruptive platform that’s quickly changing the landscape for divers, freedivers, and snorkelers.
In fact, I have a feeling the world of diving is going to look very different 1-2 year...2023-07-1207 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E05 | The best Dive Log app for 2023 will get you logging your dives again! Buddy has every feature a scuba diver or freediver will need (and especially, WANT)I had to go all the way to Hawaii to find the best scuba diving app on the market today! I walked the cities and beaches interviewing the founder of the all-new Buddy Dive Log App. In this interview we discussed the Dive Log interface and what makes it so special. This particular interview takes place on the beaches of Oahu, just North of Electric Beach, with Guest Alexis Jabbour. She’s the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now over 2.5 years in the making! With the Summer 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is making waves throughout the industry as...2023-07-0513 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E04 | Teaching scuba certification skills from a neutrally buoyant position in the pool is a hotly debated training method in the world of SCUBA diving.Kenny and Mike break down a highly contentious subject within the dive training community: Should students be taught all the required scuba skills only AFTER gaining the ability to hover in a neutrally buoyant position?
Many supporters have been quoted saying they’ll “die on this hill”. But since this is NOT the widely accepted industry standard, at least for the WRSTC or most major training agencies (like PADI, NAUI, SDI, SSI and others)... should it be the norm, or is it simply overkill? Is it realistic in every single scenario with every single student, and is it eve...2023-07-0407 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E03 | John Garza is known in the underwater photography world AND the shark diving world as a pioneer. He connects people with the beauty (& necessity) of sharks, and all the ocean’s beings.John Garza leads shark excursions, captains a luxury catamaran, teaches and takes stunning underwater photography of sharks, whales, you name it… all in the name of learning mutual respect, conservation, and how to have fun doing it. He does not, however, wear a cape.
John is a busy, hard-working professional based in South Florida and the Caribbean. He runs an alternative-style charter for those seeking a different kind of experience, where luxury meets authenticity and learning.
Formerly sailing the Purely Blue Charters, John and his partner-in-crime Hannah Patten (along with the rest of the crew) sa...2023-06-2115 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E02 | Seasoned Scuba Gear Technician talks dive equipment, taking care of it, & work bench horror stories. He ROASTS gear manufacturers, maintenance practices, & lists some colorful pet peeves.Red Sullivan owns a scuba gear servicing company, which also conducts commercial dive salvage operations It's called Bluewater Diving and is based in Daytona Beach, FL.
While working on gear, Red listens on his massive radio tower for calls from sunken boats, airplanes and cars that found themselves on the bottom of a local pond or waterway. Red spends the bulk of his time at the work bench, servicing scuba regulators and equipment from all over the world. He services gear for dive shops and other facilities, and has been for over 30 years. In that time, he's...2023-06-0727 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS3:E1 | The Buddy App is launched! And it's QUICKLY changing the way people go scuba diving. The ecosystem, logging & sharing elements are going to be disruptive for the industry, in a very good way.Alexis Jabbour is the mastermind behind the Buddy App, now 2.5 years in the making! With the June 2023 launch happening as we speak, Buddy is perhaps the most important step forward the dive industry will see in a generation.
Creating a platform that FINALLY gets divers from all walks of life into a single place is injecting a new level of fun, but importantly… CONNECTION!
It helps industry leaders make more money, makes it easier to market themselves, and helps everyday divers connect with other divers easier than anything that’s ever been made.
This...2023-06-0225 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E27 | Cheap Scuba Classes are KILLING the Scuba Diving Industry, hurting students the most. The "Loss leader" or "Build a Following" model used by Dive Shops & Scuba Instructors simply doesn't workUndervaluing the enormous amount of time, experience, equipment, prep, and patience it takes to teach scuba courses is killing the dive industry, and the customers and recreational divers out there get hit the hardest.
Mike and Kenny get to the very core of the dive industry’s lack of growth, when compared with similar industries. Further, this same root cause is why so few people keep diving after they get scuba certified.
This cycle creates burnout on the Instructors and Divemasters, and sets up students to fail at their ultimate original goal: Confidence to be a s...2023-05-2010 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E26 | Spacefish Army founder Morgan Oughton went from an office job in NYC to literally changing the way scuba divers look above & below the water.Morgan Oughton quit her job in NYC, and became a Divemaster and Instructor for the Aggressor Fleet, one of the busiest & most famous diving liveaboard charters in the world. "Mo" fell in love with diving, and during journey found a way to fuse her passion of diving, outer space, artwork and design into something useful for all of us: Spacefish Army.
Diving needed to break free of the same-old "bland and boring", and Morgan literally made that happen. Not only did she inject life into scuba diving wear, she brought practicality to it. She knows what it takes to...2023-05-1006 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E25 | Mom Coach Melissa Lea Hughes asks Kenny the best way to get her kids scuba certified, what to watch out for, & how to AVOID “sideline coaching”. Just in time for summer kids programs!Melissa drops by and asks Kenny questions about handling kids in the scuba certification class. Where does the line of supervision begin and end between parents and instructors? How do you take a scuba class WITH your kids? It’s all there. Plus, Kenny explains the parallels between kids and spouses taking scuba lessons together. With summer around the corner, this is the timeliest podcast in the world for all you parents out there!
Melissa Lea Hughes has been featured on television shows, and has hundreds of thousands of followers for mom and family inspired content. She’s a s...2023-04-2614 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E24 | Founder’s perspective of a major Scuba Gear manufacturer, XS Scuba. Mark Gibello explains the operations, & why he never plans to stop “making toys” for scuba divers anytime soon.Mark Gibello talks with Kenny Dyal about creating a scuba equipment business over 20 years ago, and why he absolutely loves it. His energy and enthusiasm only seem to grow with time, which are on full display throughout this full-throttle interview. Come behind-the-scenes at XS Scuba, going from inception to being in nearly every dive shop, aquarium, charter and facility today. Mark also lets us in on the future of his company, his secret to success, and why he never wants to retire.
Website: https://www.xsscuba.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xsscuba/
...2023-04-1614 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E23 | New Scuba Diver App called "Buddy" finally gives us what we've wanted! | It does all the app stuff along with freediving, plus a "professional diver" interface that could be a game changer.Alexis Jabbour speaks with Kenny about the brand new “Buddy App” rolling out for scuba divers and freedivers.
This is FINALLY an app that works for all agencies (PADI, NAUI, SSI, SDI, BSAC, CMAS, etc), but also allows you to connect your money accounts for tipping and bookings, verifies your certifications or professional memberships, let’s you share your gear, and of course has all the other fun dive log stuff (literally everything).
It has the ability to friend and chat with other divers directly on the platform as well. It’s clean, works smoothly, easy to us...2023-04-0209 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E22 | How to go Shark Diving in South Florida | Everything you need to know to dive with Bull Sharks, Lemon Sharks, and why this activity is GOOD for sharks.Rayna O’Nan is a world-renown shark diving guide, scuba instructor and Marine Biologist. She explains why she loves taking people diving with some of her favorite sharks. In fact, Rayna was instrumental in creating one of the first “celebrity sharks” that divers can see up close in the wild: “Snooty” the Lemon Shark!
We also dive right into the hotly-debated topic of using bait to attract sharks, the effects it may have on behavior modification, and why this is actually saving sharks.
We cover it all: How to do the dive, what conditions are required, wh...2023-03-2924 min
The Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E21 | Director of Medical Services for D.A.N. on what it’s like answering calls for diving accidents, incidents, & questions around the world, every single day.Camilo Saraiva, MD, MBA, tells us what kind of different accidents, incidents, and all-around diving questions they get everyday at DAN (Divers Alert Network). He explains what it’s like to work for them, and what ONE THING he wishes he could tell every new diver or every diver getting back in.
The different ways DAN will help your own doctor with diving contraindications for getting clearance to dive is also mind blowing. Odds are, you’ll want to add them to your phone’s favorites right away.
For any diver that values their own safety...2023-03-1508 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E20 | Cristina Zenato illustrates her position on Shark Diving, Pros vs Cons, & potential Behavior Modifications from feeding sharksCristina Zenato explains how shark tourism is helping protect sharks in places like the Bahamas and elsewhere. She talks about the benefit and value the sharks bring to the local communities, as well as some of the objections to shark feeding.
Cristina directly analyzes the practice of lionfish feeding, and other types of shark feeding for shark tourism.
This is a must for anyone who questions the practice of shark diving with food in the water, with an extremely insightful anecdote laden with relatable analogies.
This is Part 2 of the complete Cristina Zenato...2023-02-2609 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E19 | Cristina Zenato reveals her opinions on aquariums, shark behavior, & where she draws her motivation & energy to stay so accomplished.An icon of positivity, Cristina Zenato gets charmingly candid with her anecdotes for aquariums, sharks, conservation, and life in general. From mapping underwater cave systems to removing hooks from sharks’ mouths, Cristina is a champion of conservation and motivation. She also discusses her stance on whether aquariums are good or bad, while diving into the issue of animals in captivity.
She talks about her famous sharks, how she gets to know them, and keys to understanding shark behavior.
Stay tuned for the immediate follow-up interview, specifically discussing her analysis of shark tourism and shark diving....2023-02-2615 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E18 | Mike & Kenny debate the RELEVENCE of the Scuba Swim Test, failing students, or trying to teach in-water skills in a classroom settingWhether you believe the swim tests should be stringent, are a waste of precious bottom time, can scare an otherwise good diver out of the rest of the class, or are a crucial evaluation point to move forward, you’ll love this chat between two experience instructors.
Michael Kest and Kenny Dyal talk about the swim test requirements for Open Water Scuba Certification, and debate the relevance it has in training new scuba divers. The ISO 24801-2 Open Water Scuba Diver standards and how they apply to agencies like NAUI, PADI, SSI, SDI etc., are also explained....2023-02-2007 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E17 | Megalodon Tooth LEGEND breaks down the tips, tricks & lifestyle of Shark Teeth Diving, Fossil Hunting, & finding the famous “Megs” in Venice, FL | with Capt. Michael NastasioReturning for Season 2, Captain Michael Nastasio takes us out on his charter boat and yup… he put us right on top of the famous “Black Gold” which is shark teeth slang for “Megs” which is (yet another) shark tooth hunter buzzword for Megalodon Teeth.
Capt. Michael lives and breathes this every single day the weather lets him, and so far has never returned to shore without a MEG.
He explains the tricks to finding more, common mistakes, and even daily battles with fraudsters and “site pirates” that try to steal his secret locations!
This was just...2023-02-1416 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E16 | Mike & Kenny talk about the allure (or fear) of diving deep, the “hundred foot” psychological barrier, & Nitrox mishapsMichael Kest and Kenny Dyal talk about the stigma, perceptions, and thrill out there of diving deeper. They share common conversations found amongst the dive world about depth, and even a bizarrely ill-advised business practice regarding Nitrox on a dive boat.
NOTE: This is merely a conversation about “Recreational Diving”, but does not get into “Tech Diving” limits which go well beyond Recreational depths discussed.
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice. He’s an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working dive boats in South Florida and Hawaii, water safe...2023-02-0510 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E15 | Shark Conservationist Emily Morrison talks fishing for sharks, Going LIVE on TikTok, Megalodons & her 50+ Shark Tattoos!Emily Morrison (better known as “Shark Lady Emily”) is the literal embodiment of pure shark enthusiasm. Many of her tattoos were inspired or literally drawn by real encounters, even showing the hooks removed from her conservation and rescue initiatives.
With her large online following (especially on TikTok LIVE) she educates AND entertains anyone with a love and interesting in sharks.
Emily goes into detail how sharks are caught off the beach by line, tagged, measured, and released (plus the issue of removing old hooks from their mouths). We talk about everything from her upcoming Inked Maga...2023-02-0329 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E14 | Megalodon tooth hunting guide AND scuba instructor Shawn Chadwick talks teaching two agencies, charters, dive shops, shark teeth, and Venice FloridaI hope you enjoy this TWOFER interview, covering two topics that are both singular yet somehow connected:
Shawn Chadwick is an independent scuba instructor that teaches privately, as well as for a local dive shop in Venice, FL. We discuss the mutually beneficial dynamic of that relationship, plus an added bonus of being able to teach in TWO different agencies (NAUI and PADI)
Shawn talks about finding the famous Megalodon Teeth & other shark’s teeth and fossils around the Venice Beach area, as well his role in leading excursions. In many cases, Shawn teaches people to scuba dive JU...2023-01-2709 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E13 | How dying coral reefs are actually being saved by Coral Restoration Foundation™Madalen Howard of Coral Restoration Foundation™ explains the entire process of massive scale coral reef restoration. She breaks down how CRF™ utilizes corals’ ability to asexually reproduce to raise thousands of reef-ready corals in offshore Coral Tree™ nurseries, and how volunteers, staff, and interns have made this work possible. Because of divers like you CRF™ has returned over 215,000 endangered corals to the wild, restoring over 34,000 sq m of reef habitat!
Finally, Madalen directly answers the big question in the room: Does coral reef restoration really work and will it actually help?
Video credits:
The vast m...2023-01-0513 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E12 | How a Scuba Instructor almost drowned - a real life scenario & breakdown of a very preventable incident. With Michael KestMike describes a situation that really happened when he was working a boat as a Divemaster. Not only did another diver nearly drown well beyond 100 feet deep, but the simple cause might surprise you. Mike walks us through the dive start-to-finish, plus we discuss and pinpoint where things went wrong leading up to the near-death situation. A lesson we can all take with us to make our diving that much better and safer.
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice, an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working dive boats in...2022-12-0811 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E11 | Rebecca Ziegler talks about dating divers, non-divers, and problems that come with getting certified with family or friendsRebecca Ziegler (Becca) explains what it's like out there in the dating world for scuba divers. Not only does she share an actual exchange with a non-certified diver (that dives), but also how she learned to dive with her dad when she was young.
Becca is a professional diver with experience ranging from leading West Coast USA shore diving, commercial diving, to working as a Divemaster for a boat and at an aquarium that brings Guests underwater.
Anyone getting their children certified, trying to certify a spouse, or taking classes with all-of-the-above should definitely keep t...2022-11-2315 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E10 | How the "Reef Smart Guide" dive maps are made, including shipwrecks, reefs, & what goes into actually producing these 3D images of our favorite dive sites. With Peter McDougallIf you've ever wondered how divers make the Reef Smart guides (the plastic cards that show wrecks, reefs, dive sites, etc.), CEO Peter McDougall tells us how it's done. They make the books, giant slates that are used by many dive charters and Divemasters on famous dive sites, and they even make 3D models, soon to offer something new to resorts, their Guests, and famous dive locations around the world. These dive guides show pictures of dive sites, species, currents, and even the best places to start and finish the dive.
Lots of diving, lots of technology...2022-11-1713 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E9 | Deaf Scuba Divers & their underwater superpower. PADI Ambassador & show runner of Aqua Hands explains why sign language is every scuba diver's dream.FACT: Deaf scuba divers have a superpower underwater with sign language. The ability to freely communicate in full conversation not only makes them proficient divers, but faster learners. Thomas Koch of Aqua Hands explains how learning is accelerated in the scuba certification course, buoyancy control comes quicker, and other benefits of sign language. Thomas teaches open water scuba courses up through instructor, and was the first ever deaf PADI Course Director in history. He is a PADI Ambassador, and regularly leads scuba classes and trips around the world, and is based out of the Tampa / Clearwater, FL area.
2022-11-1121 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E8 | Tommy Keisler talks underwater forensics, metal detecting, artifacts & historic finds. PLUS, alligators, caves, & underwater entanglements that plague blackwater diving.Sheriff Dive Team Forensic Diver Tommy Keisler opens up about his passion for metal detecting, history, artifacts, and diving in less than desirable locations. Tommy has been featured several times by news and local museums for historical finds, including a lost WW2 plane wreck that was located using sonar in the St. John's River (Northeast Florida). Another notable find was a George Washington inaugural button found in a very odd location. Tommy also discusses handling alligators, snakes, bull sharks, scittowacs and even unexpected entrapments (such as fishing lines and caves). Finally, he talks tips and tricks to underwater metal...2022-11-0916 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E7 | It's the little things that make big accidents, but almost never the big thing.Kenny and Mike talk about the "little things" . In almost every case of scuba related accidents, incidents or any other issues, the big things are usually caused by the little things that slowly built up to a disaster. Mike talks about a big scare he had with a scuba instructor that almost drowned, and what led up to the event. They talk about other common issues and situations that accumulate and lead to larger problems.
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice, an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working dive...2022-10-2721 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E6 | The Apple Watch Ultra dive computer review & what effect it will have on the world of diving.Kenny and Mike have a conversation on the early impression of the Apple Watch Ultra. This perspective is through the lens of dive professionals using current computer watches, and how Apple's dive computer app might be received by the diving world. This is the first of probably a handful of breakdowns, as things will absolutely change with the final rollout of the Oceanic App. They'll also revisit the watch when other future technologies (hopefully) spawn down the road.
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice, an active dive instructor with experience that ranges...2022-10-1308 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E5 | Split Fins vs Blade Fins - A conversation pitching two sides of the coin, making arguments FOR & AGAINST them.Kenny and Mike grab lunch at a local taco shop to discuss scuba diving fins. We take a deep dive into the Atomic Split fins vs Mares, Scubapro Seawing Nova, and Jet Fins, with real word testing, use, and objective discussion. The actual, real, correct answer comes in at the very end.
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice, an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working dive boats in South Florida to Hawaii, water safety at Sea World, Disney's Dive Quest, working for dive shops and teaching classes all over...2022-09-2712 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E4 | Checkout Dive locations for Scuba Certification - How important is it? Boat dives offshore vs freshwater locations.Kenny Dyal and Michael Kest discuss & debate checkout dive locations for new scuba diver certifications. Should offshore boat dives be mandated or maybe even be a separate certification? Should the certification focus more on getting comfortable instead of where it is (aka, not romanticizing the location).
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice, an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working dive boats in South Florida to Hawaii, water safety at Sea World, Disney's Dive Quest, working for dive shops and teaching classes all over the world and father of three....2022-09-2229 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E3 | Landscaper goes all-in on buying Fantasy Lake Rock Quarry that's become a Scuba Diver's paradise.Kenny Dyal interviews Daniel Cox, who recently purchased Fantasy Lake Rock Quarry near Raleigh, North Carolina. As the new owners, Daniel and his family are working hard to renovate and transform the rock quarry into a scuba diving paradise. This lake has a wild assortment of underwater attractions like sunken airplanes, a bus, platforms for training, freaky doll heads, cars, an old rock crusher, boats, and LOADS of fish, including large bass and even Koi. Most of the attractions are at such a shallow depth, divers can spend an extremely long time on the bottom and see the majority o...2022-09-2013 minThe Scuba Diving PodcastS2: E2 | Dive Buddies & How to screen for good dive buddies, what makes a good or bad one, & do we really need them?Kenny Dyal and Michael Kest debate and discuss the relevance of dive buddies. Red flags when doing a first dive with someone, ways to navigate around a not-so-ideal dive buddy, and where to draw the line. The topic of whether or not a dive buddy can actually help is also discussed in depth.
Michael Kest is a jury trial attorney with his own practice, an active dive instructor with experience that ranges from working on boats in South Florida to Hawaii, Sea World, Disney's Dive Quest and working for dive shops and teaching classes all over the w...2022-09-1829 min
The Scuba Diving PodcastS2:E1 | How to get a job as a Dolphin Trainer & what it's ACTUALLY like working with them at a major aquarium.Senior Dolphin Trainer Rachel Hudon sits down with Kenny Dyal in Atlanta, GA to discuss all things working with dolphin. She discusses what it's like physically working with marine mammals, doings shows, the competitive nature of the industry, and how to actually land that job. She lays out specific steps to get hired as a dolphin trainer, talks about other similar species you can work with, and common mistakes people make trying to get into the field. Rachel also talks about how to handle controversial activism (such as that sparked by Blackfish) and other issues facing the marine mammal...2022-09-1734 min
The Scuba Diving Podcast28 | Everything to become a Mermaid | Returning Guest Olive Teague with the Seattle Mermaid SchoolOlive the Alchemist is a well-know Mermaid Instructor, founder of the Seattle Mermaid School, professional performer, & former Face Character at Disney World (lOve was REALLY good friends with Ariel the Little Mermaid. Olive tells us their backstory, what it takes to become a successful character performer, along with some truly helpful tips to become a real life mermaid. Interviewed by Kenny Dyal of Sweetwater Scuba.
If you'd like to help support this channel, please visit: https://www.sweetwaterscuba.com/membership2022-08-0119 min
The Scuba Diving Podcast27 | How to Open a Dive Shop with NO $$$ before age 30... It's easier than you think! - Kenny DyalJames Carbary of Sweetfish Media interviews Kenny Dyal on dive training, dive business, why he loves it, and what happens next.
Ken started a dive shop from scratch, built it to success, and sold it less than 5 years later, all before turning 35. He now hosts The Scuba Diving Podcast and Channel interview show & produces Down to 60 video series through the creation of Sweetwater Scuba, a dive media company. He is also the author of the kids books "How to Become a Scuba Diver" recently released (after this interview took place). It's available in select bookstores, dive shops, an...2021-12-1614 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast26 | Dive Charter Boat Captain on working the busiest offshore dive site on Earth -Southeast FloridaFrom shark diving to stormy weather, Captain Tony sees it all in the very busy West Palm Beach offshore dive scene.
He shares how to keep calm, keep an eagle eye out, and still enjoy it and have a blast amidst all the responsibility.
From full charters to hosting Shark Week two years in a row and counting, his boats are popular, busy, and always getting wet.
Tony shares all, and also what he does on his downtime for fun.2021-12-1513 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast25 | With a MAJORITY of women Instructors & Boat Captains, Suzie MacDonald changes the game.Suzie not only runs an operation that has more women than men, she runs one of the largest in the Tampa Bay Area. She also organizes and runs Training Workshops and Instructor programs for aspiring new instructors and boat captains. Suzie has so much to teach us about teamwork, hard work and organization, not to mention diving the Gulf of Mexico! A great interview on deck of one of her own dive charter boats in port.2021-12-1407 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast24 | How to run multiple Dive Shops & dive locations at the SAME TIME. -with Barry OlsonBarry talks about his prior career managing not one, but THREE dive shops, a handful of pools, and what the recipe for success looks like. He also shares his thoughts on what makes a great dive shop and great instructor, vs one likely to fail.
Barry has since retired from that world, but still stays active in sports, ice fishing, and running the dive operations and Guest dive programs at Walt Disney World Resorts.2021-12-1315 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast23 | Running a PADI Instructor Training Facility AND running a dive shop -with Todd YarbroughTodd has visited over 800 dive shops while repping for DAN (Diver's Alert Network), and runs a shop himself. He also hosts many local Instructors at his PADI Instructor Training Facility for IDCs. Todd has also worked extensively mapping local dive sites for published dive guides and Reef Cards. Which of course means he gives us some GREAT insight on diving the lesser-known Panhandle of Florida.2021-12-1210 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast22 | The dreaded Hyperbaric Chamber! How dive accidents are treated. -with Mitch HallMitch Hall owns and operates a Hyperbaric Chamber facility, and sits down to share some stories about what really goes on in those things. I was SHOCKED to learn of some uses I would have never imagined. Not only for commercial dive operations, but for medical treatments the recompression chambers are used for that has NOTHING to do with diving.
2021-12-1213 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast21 | Dive Shop owner & Scuba Instructor Tracy Grubbs talks how to succeed over the long term.Tracy has kept a full-service dive shop flourishing and expanding since its inception over 20 years ago. He shares the secrets and tips to coming into an existing shop and growing it, teaching TECH, business techiques, how to form relationships in the community, and what he still looks forward to to this day.2021-12-1009 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast20 | Female Spearfishing Guide and Boat Captain at the age of 19! -with Carly FriedmanCarly leads spearfishing charters as both a Divemaster underwater and a boat Captain on the surface. As a nineteen year old woman, she lets us in on her day to day, how she commands respect, and of course tips and tricks to anyone else wanting to get out there at a young age.
Carly talks sharks, game fish in the Gulf of Mexico, and what she does for fun in this interview from the deck of one of their dive charter boats.2021-12-0912 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast18 | "Every dive shop owner should easily be making 6 figures & beyond."Legendary in the dive industry, Chad Barbay trains retailers and trainers how to EASILY succeed with some very simple processes and concepts.
Current Manufacturer Representative for some of the most prestigious and well-known equipment lines, and a long-standing career in Scuba Training Agency representation.
Whether it's in training or equipment, Chad shares the secret to success in the dive business, and firmly believes anyone can have it with just a few core principles.
If you're a dive operation retailer, be sure and check out his service at www.divestoremakeover.com2021-12-0814 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast19 | The Scuba Diving industry today, & where it's headed -with Chad BarbayChad Barbay discusses where the dive industry is today, and where it's going. We how to rejuvenate and energize the next generation of divers and dive professionals to see a new phase of rapid growth, in an otherwise stagnated industry.
Currently, Chad is a Manufacturer Rep for some of the most prestigious and well-known equipment lines, and has a long-standing career in Scuba Training Agency representation.
Whether it's in training or equipment, Chad shares the secret to success in the dive business, and firmly believes anyone can have it with just a few core principles.2021-12-0808 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast17 | Trial Attorney & Scuba Instructor: Michael Kest shares the REALITY taking place in courtrooms.Mike's law firm regularly goes to JURY TRIAL, has an astonishing success record of winning appeals, and has been featured on TV multiple times for winning complicated cases against large entities. How does this apply to diving? Simple.
Much of the scuba curriculum, Instruction and training revolve around liability. But what REALLY matters in the actual courtroom to the jurors? Mike shares this crucial point-of-view, which is one every Scuba Instructor should be aware of. Not to mention, Mike is an active Scuba Instructor, with years of experience teaching and working dive boats in FL and Hawaii...2021-12-0713 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast16 | Olive Teague shares HOW to become a Mermaid, & getting started in the Merfolk universe.Olive is a pioneer in the Mermaid world, from professional character roles with Walt Disney World Entertainment, to Olympic-level water training, and even earning the title of Miss Mermaid Washington 2021. And as a qualified member of the World Mermaid Association, Olive the Alchemist manages to perfectly infuse both the physical and fantasy worlds into a delightful new reality.
We discuss what motivates people to join the Merfolk community, how to get started, what goes into training, and also how welcoming, inclusive, and inspiring this world truly is.
For anyone wishing to become the best Mermaid, Me...2021-12-0615 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast15 | Scuba Training Department staffer talks modern scuba education, stats, & teaching tips.Kris develops training curriculum and material for NAUI, a major scuba training agency. He talks tips and tricks, some common mistakes he sees, what he loves and doesn't love to see out there, how to keep it fun, how to have a successful business in training, and gives his own insight into what makes a good instructor. He also lets us in on some of his own most memorable moments.2021-12-0510 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast14 | Famous Underwater Archaeology program (LAMP) director Chuck Meide discuss historic findings in the Nation's Oldest CityLocated in the oldest port in the US, and also its oldest city, Chuck heads the Lighthouse Archaeological Maritime Program out of Saint Augustine, FL. It is located at the iconic Saint Augustine Lighthouse on Anastasia Island. He discusses everything from working with the team, what they've discovered, and what gets him most excited to get back out there.
A super unique interview from his own balcony just blocks from the Lighthouse, the location was everything you'd imagine from someone who lives on the coast, and spends time raising history from the ocean floor! This was one...2021-12-0414 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast13 | How to start & SUSTAIN a followings an Independent Scuba Instructor. -with Mike Dech.Mike started at some of Orlando's most famous theme park aquariums (including Disney), and grew confidence in the water that helped him launch "Mike Dech Scuba Instruction". He tells us how he's grown into a local power brand for teaching privately. He talks about the challenges starting out, and how to work with local dive shops as an Independent Instructor.
He stays booked, busy, and absolutely loves it. He lets us in on the secret to promoting and filling scuba courses and dive trips, which you'll definitely want to hear...no matter what kind of business you...2021-12-0312 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast12 | Teaching scuba independently while working on a Sheriff’s Dive Team -with Michael Chapman"Chappy" talks about how he became successfull teaching private scuba lessons, why it's always fun for him, and what inspired him to begin teaching for injured First Responders and Veterans. He also discusses what he's experienced as a Law Enforcement Diver and how to become a public safety diver.
Creator of Sea King Scuba, and the Hero Project, he gives us insight on what keeps him going, how he prefers to teach, and why people keep coming back for more.2021-12-0313 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast11 | She gave up a successful NYC job, bought a one-way ticket to find a career Scuba Diving -with Kristen FavoritoKristen was the winner of "Inspiring PADI Women" and is a published Sport Diver Magazine writer. In this interview she shares the incredible story of how she left a life of "corporate success" in New York City behind...with a one-way ticket to Nepal. She talks about the life of travel through Scuba Diving, how to figure out what makes you happy in your career life, and then actually making a living doing what you TRULY love.2021-12-0215 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast10 | Rainbow Reef is one of the world's largest busiest dive training facilities in the world.Ross Neil is a PADI Course Director, and Director of Training at the Rainbow Reef Dive Center. It's in Key Largo, where an armada of their dive charter boats can be seen with busy crew prepping them all for divers any time of year. EIGHT charter boats coming and going from the marina daily, a busy retail store, and a facility that houses candidates and interns learning to become Divemasters and Instructors, runs full steam 365. Ross tells us the actual secret (yes, there is a real, tangible technique here) to how they grew into the global training powerhouse, addresses the...2021-12-0111 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast9 | How to transform a scuba diving shop into wild success (and ENJOY it!) -with Paul ShepherdPaul started diving and teaching in Zanzibar, Africa, and eventually came to the USA to buy and run a dive shop. He and his wife transformed Seminole Scuba dive center, by growing it SEVERAL TIMES what it was when he got it, and he shares with us HOW he did just that. He also leads trips worldwide from the South Pacific to the Red Sea, and tells us the secret to making those trips a success and keeping diving FUN for professionals well into their career. 2021-11-3009 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast8 | Dr. Bob Sanders of NASA takes us in-depth to The Neutral Buoyancy Lab daily scuba operationsYes, astronauts scuba dive...a LOT. In fact, they train for spacewalks underwater! Dr. Bob Sanders is the Medical Director of NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, Texas. Bob was kind enough to invite me to his home to discuss diving, space, the NBL and his own personal experience in scuba diving. Inspiring, intelligent, and an important interview for anyone looking to make diving a career, is in the diving industry, or who simply wants to enhance their own life through diving. From Antartica to the California Coast, Texas to the International Space Station, scuba diving is everywhere. And of...2021-11-2915 minThe Scuba Diving Podcast7 | Dr. Bob Sanders of NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Lab talks about teaching Scuba DivingYes, astronauts scuba dive...a LOT. In fact, they train for spacewalks underwater! Dr. Bob Sanders is the Medical Director of NASA's Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in Houston, Texas. He is a scuba instructor, and avid diver, with a logbook that spans the globe!
Bob was kind enough to invite me to his home to discuss diving, space, the NBL and his own personal experience in scuba diving (and teaching as a scuba instructor).
Inspiring, intelligent, and an important interview for anyone looking to make diving a career, is in the diving industry, or who simply wan...2021-11-2914 min