Deep Blue: Recent Episodes
BYUradio
Deep Blue explores the most compelling human interest stories in BYU sports as Jarom Jordan talks with current and former coaches and players.
Former BYU Basketball center Aly Khalifa entered the transfer portal just a day after recording an interview with host Jason Shepherd. So, why are we releasing this episode after he decided to transfer to Louisville? Well, Aly loved his time at BYU and the conversation with him was fascinating. The former BYU Cougar discussed what it was like growing up in Egypt, getting noticed internationally for his play, and adjusting to life overseas. He also talked about what it's like to practice his Muslim faith in a place like BYU, especially during Ramadan.
Following an incredible 2021 season at Baylor, Gerry Bohanon was on top of the world. After leading the Bears to the Big 12 Championship game and a Sugar Bowl victory, Gerry expected to continue his collegiate career at Baylor as the starting QB. But it didn’t happen. So, how did he overcome that disappointment? In this second part episode, Bohannon details his journey from Baylor to South Florida, eventually to BYU, and how he found strength in God along the way.
BYU quarterback Gerry Bohanon has fought hard to return to the football field. A horrific injury on his throwing shoulder could have ended his career. So how did he make it back? Bohanon shares how his relationships with God and his family powered him through, and how a guy from a tiny town like him can make it big.
BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion can talk a big game. So, where did he learn that confidence? And why does it seem like Keelan's always smiling? Find out in our first edition of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.
After nearly a decade of investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tom Holmoe woke up one day and was ready to be baptized. Why the sudden change of heart? In part 2 of our interview with the Cougars' Athletic Director, Tom explains the role his wife, family, and a dream played in his conversion. He also tackles his NFL and coaching careers, his relationship with the late LaVell Edwards, and the legacy he hopes to leave at BYU.
Out of high school, Tom Holmoe's family never wanted him to go to BYU. What brought him to Provo as a student-athlete, and more importantly, what made him return years later to work in the athletic department? Tom discusses the football injury that put BYU on his radar and how that changed the trajectory of his life forever. He also talks about what it's like to be the Cougars' athletic director and how he has been so successful in his role over the last 19 years.
Few people understand the mind better than Dr. Craig Manning. But as an amateur on the international tennis tour out of high school, he struggled mightily with mental strength. How did he learn to master the mind? Dr. Manning documents his journey to BYU, his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how he became the mental strength coach for BYU athletics and the Milwaukee Bucks.
This week, we highlight one of our other BYUradio podcasts. Big Stories tells the amazing tales surrounding BYU's opponents in the Big 12. Thane Baker desired to run in the Olympics at an early age. His mother timed him every day with an alarm clock. Then, an accident at a garage almost derailed Thane's budding track career. In this episode, discover how Baker walked on to the Kansas State track team, lived out his dream as one of the fastest men in the world, and was eventually honored as one of the greats in Wildcat sports history.Guests:Thane Baker - former Kansas State and Olympic Track StarCatherine Nicholson - Baker's daughter and author of the book, "Running in Borrowed Shoes: Thane Baker and the 1952 Summer Games"Cliff Rovelto - Kansas State Track and Field Head Coach
The Hall family has made quite the name for itself in Provo, Utah, but none of it would have happened had it not been for a few important choices by the father, Kalin Hall. The former Cougar's star running back opens up about these choices and how they led him to convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to transfer to BYU. He also talks about accepting the head coaching job at Maple Mountain High School, the importance of his faith, and what it's like being the father of NFL player, Jaren Hall.
Todd Miller stirred up controversy when he chose to forfeit in the final round of the 2004 Utah State Amateur golf tournament. His reason? It took place on a Sunday. The former BYU Cougar golfer opens up about his decision not to play on that Sabbath day and what it means to be the Cougar's director of golf. He also touches on what it was like growing up in a household of golf legend Jonny Miller and how his faith and mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shaped his life.
Jake Retzlaff was on his way to becoming a UTEP Miner quarterback. The Southern California native was ready to pass in old El Paso when his scholarship was yanked because of a low grade in one of his junior college classes. Find out what he did next to find his way to the BYU Football team. Retzlaff also shares his feelings about starting the last four games of the season and how comfortable he feels as a Jew at BYU.
Former BYU Football linebacker Bryan Kehl knew he was adopted as a child, but he had no desire to find his birth parents. In this podcast episode, find out how Bryan reunited with them and his relationship with them today. Plus, Bryan discusses his growth and resilience to make it to the NFL.
Abe Alvarez was a great baseball player coming out of Long Beach State. But he had a secret. The Southpaw pitcher was legally blind in his left eye. That didn't stop him from being drafted by the Boston Red Sox and playing for the big club the year the Sox won the World Series. In this episode, Alvarez talks about beating the odds at different levels. He details his childhood in California, pitching in the bigs, beginning his coaching career in high school, and then moving on to college and BYU.
Miks Ramanis wanted to play college volleyball for Hawaii. How did he end up at BYU? Let's say the decision to come to Provo had to do with more than volleyball. Ramanis also talks about the impact his Latvian heritage has had on his life and volleyball career.
Before a short break for the holidays, we share an episode of one of BYUradio's other great podcasts. Her Y celebrates the best of BYU Women's Sports and is hosted by Lauren McClain. In this episode, we hear from BYU Women's Soccer goalkeeper Lynette Hernaez. She tells about her incredible conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her subsequent mission, and how it led her from Washington State to BYU.
Trent Pratt was stressed when named as the interim baseball coach for BYU in 2022. He wasn't thinking about whether he would keep his job but if he could keep his BYU Baseball family together and headed in the right direction. Pratt is now leading the Cougars into their first season in the Big 12 season as the head coach. Pratt details his baseball journey from Tooele, Utah, to the minor leagues to coaching the Cougars. One thing is certain: Pratt could not have done it without his family.
Nate Meikle was not the biggest guy, yet played major college football at BYU. Nate wasn't the brightest guy in high school, but now he's an assistant professor at the University of Kanas' School of Business. So, how did he get that far? Nate shares stories of hard work, hard studying, and relying on God to persevere through tough times.
Jason Shepherd journeyed to Kansas City for Big 12 Basketball Media Days. So, in this unique episode, you'll hear from some of the foes of the BYU Cougars. Guests include Kansas guard Dajuan Harris, Oklahoma State forward Lior Garzon, TCU guard Madison Conner, Cincinnati forward Ody Oguama, UCF women's basketball coach Sytia Messer, and Texas Tech men's basketball coach Grant McCasland.
Mike Hall's life took a remarkable turn after his days of slamming thunderous dunks for the Cougars. Now, the ex-BYU Basketball star is making a difference by guiding BYU Football players in their personal lives beyond the football field. Moreover, he opens up about his extraordinary journey of embracing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints following his time at BYU and the heartbreaking loss of his youngest daughter.
Current BYU Cougar, Spencer Johnson, had a very long and difficult journey to get to BYU, which included denying Coach Pope's invite to play for him. He describes this journey as well as what it was like to get mentioned in a General Conference talk by President Russell M. Nelson. He also delves into what it was like to return to Europe—where he served his mission and grew up—with rest of the men's basketball team.
Trent Whiting's career as a BYU Basketball player was a short one. Now, he's back in Provo as the husband of BYU Women's Basketball head coach Amber Whiting. Trent recounts his basketball journey, which included a stay in Italy as a professional basketball player. He also talks to Jason Shepherd about playing for the Utes, against the Utes, and how he and Amber managed to raise a family of D1 hoopers.
BYU Baseball's Adam Law has found his way back to BYU, except not as a player but as an assistant coach for the Cougars. He chats with Jason Shepherd about how his time in Africa as a mental strength coach and playing professional baseball led him to where he is today. He also talks about what it was like growing up as the son and grandson of baseball legends Vance and Vern Law and how he has carved his own legacy.
Nate Austin reunites with Jason Shepherd to delve into his remarkable journey back to BYU as a basketball staff member. They explore Nate's childhood dream of playing for the BYU Cougars, the obstacles he conquered, his career highlights, and how his faith in God played a pivotal role in securing a position on a collegiate basketball staff.
Trent Moser of the BYU Men's Volleyball team recently finished traveling to various parts of the world as a member of the nation's best under-21 volleyball team. In this fun-filled episode, he talks about how humbling the experience was to see life outside of the United States and what it feels like to be considered one of the best volleyball players in the nation of his age group. He also talks about life in a volleyball family, choosing to play for the BYU Cougars and his game-day superstitions.
BYU Swimmer Jordan Tiffany opens up about his intense battle with mental health, which nearly led him to retire from the sport. Having been one of the biggest swim recruits out of Utah that the state had ever seen, Tiffany committed to swim in the SEC at the University of Tennessee, only to quickly realize once he got there that he needed help with his depression. He discusses his journey to and departure from Tennessee and how God miraculously guided him back to swim for the BYU Cougars.
The incredible Bronson Kaufusi has moved on from playing football, but he's giving back to young athletes. Kaufusi provides mental strength coaching to junior high and high schoolers through his Young Athletes Society. The former BYU Football and BYU Basketball star discusses his experiences playing two major D1 collegiate sports, doing missionary work while playing in the NFL and making family a focal point in his life.
Recently retired head tennis coach and former Cougar athlete Dave Porter reflects on prominent moments from his coaching career, current health challenges, and his improbable road to becoming the winningest coach in collegiate tennis history.
BYU Cougars' Kenneth Rooks' journey to becoming a U.S. steeplechase champion is incredible. He talks to Jason Shepherd about the spiritual lessons he learned from his insane comeback after falling during the U.S. Track and Field Championship and how he broke Henry Marsh's old BYU records. He also talks about growing up as an only child in Walla Walla, Washington, playing various sports in high school, serving a unique mission, and choosing to run for Brigham Young University.
BYU Football's Kody Epps has one of the best smiles on the team. But the Cougar wide receiver admits it's hard to stay consistently positive. Epps shares why he decided to stick with football even though he hated it growing up. He also discusses how he was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a kid and why he wants to represent the church well even though he isn't a member.
The Deep Blue podcast is making a comeback. New host Jason Shepherd dives into the real-life stories of former and current BYU Cougar athletes and coaches. These stories will awe, inspire, and excite you. The brand new season begins on August 29th. New episodes will post each Tuesday.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU volleyball player Davide Gardini about about his All-American career at BYU, the 2020 and 21 seasons, the challenging 22 season and repping Italy, BYU and the Church as a member of another faith.
Jarom Jordan talks with soccer star Ashley Hatch about becoming the NWSL’s leading scorer and a champion to scoring a goal for the USA 24 seconds into a game in Australia and repping BYU and the Church across the globe.
Jarom Jordan talks with former Cougar player and BYUtv analyst David Nixon about the 2006-08 seasons and his time in the NFL.
Jarom Jordan talks with former Cougar player and BYUtv analyst David Nixon about growing up in College Station, almost going to Texas A&M and being part of BYU’s return to glory 2006 to 2008.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYUtv women’s basketball analyst Kristen Kozlowski about transferring from Boise State as a player, getting into broadcasting, and how women’s hoops will compete in the Big 12.
Jarom Jordan talks with former BYU basketball player Trent Plaisted about helping resurrect Cougar basketball, the decision to leave after his junior year, playing professional for 10 seasons on three continents and his connection with Kresmir Cosic.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU women’s volleyball head coach Heather Olmstead about her miraculous birth with help from a Prophet, playing professionally in Croatia, and turning the women’s volleyball team into the program it is today.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYUtv Men’s Volleyball analyst Steve Vail about how he survived brain cancer without missing a single broadcast.
Jarom Jordan talks with former Cougar WR, Dax Milne about his 2020 season at BYU, the Coastal Carolina game, the decision to leave early, and playing in the NFL.
Jarom Jordan talks with Olympian, Ed Eyestone about growing up in Ogden, running for a living, going from runner to broadcaster and now coaching the Cougars to national championships.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU men’s golf coach Bruce Brockbank about taking over for Karl Tucker, maintaining the high standard of excellence for the program and what the Big 12 means for the Cougars.
Jarom Jordan talks with Mark and Lee Anne Pope in part two about playing for Larry Bird, living in Turkey, and leaving medical school at Columbia for less than 30 grand a year at Georgia to start coaching.
Jarom Jordan talks with Olympic gymnast and silver medalist Guard Young about his family legacy at BYU, coping with the end of the men’s program, his time at Oklahoma and leading the women’s team.
Jarom Jordan talks with former Cougar baseball player Adam Law about his family legacy in the game, life in the minors and his new job for the Dodgers with mental strength.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU Baseball Coach Mike Littlewood about officiating in March Madness, turning down a job in the NBA, a tumor he had removed and the future of Cougar baseball.
Jarom Jordan talks with former BYU football player, now pastor Derwin Gray about his Cougar playing days, intercepting Steve Young and tackling Barry Sanders, and how he came to know God.
Jarom Jordan talks with Blaine Fowler about his recruitment to BYU, almost playing in the CFL and NFL and calling games for the Cougars for over 30 years.
Jarom Jordan talks with "Elder 8 Mile" Travis Hansen, former BYU and NBA basketball player
Jarom Jordan talks with Whitney Johnson about BYU Athletics’ efforts in diversity & inclusion.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU Senior Associate Athletic Director Liz Darger about going from aspiring Utah State walk-on volleyball player to high school basketball coach to the senior woman administrator at BYU who has helped with NCAA Common Ground and part of the group that got BYU into the Big 12.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU Women’s Golf coach Carrie Roberts about the legacy of the Summerhays family in golf, the influence of her parents on her life, and the decision to abandon her husband’s then recent law degree to return to BYU to coach the team.
Jarom Jordan talks with Dave McCann about how he got into broadcasting, working for Good Morning America as a BYU student and traveling the world and interviewing Mickey Mantle, Mike Tyson and others.
Jarom Jordan talks with National Champion QB Robbie Bosco about the BYU coach pacing by his math class on signing day, how he played on an injured knee in the Holiday Bowl in 1984 Holiday Bowl, and the influence his Dad had on his career.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU Women’s Soccer coach Jennifer Rockwood about growing up in Oregon, transferring from Ricks, getting the women’s soccer program NCAA sanctioned and winning.
Deep Blue explores the most compelling human interest stories in BYU sports as Jarom Jordan talks with current and former coaches and players.
Jarom Jordan talks with 18-year NFL veteran punter Lee Johnson about how he kicked a 60-yard FG in his first ever kick in front of anyone; being teammates with Jim McMahon, Steve Young and Tom Brady at BYU and in the NFL, kicking barefoot and more.
Jarom Jordan talks with running superstars Anna Camp Bennett & Whittni Orton about growing up in small Utah towns, winning national titles, and setting a world record together.
Jarom Jordan talks with national champion runner Courtney Wayment about turning from soccer to running, oxygen deficiency, overcoming injuries and nearly making the Tokyo Olympics.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU Associate AD / Director of Marketing and Promotions, David Almodova about the fan experience at BYU sporting events, what he learned from working at Southern Utah and Duke and what marketing in 2020 was like.
Jarom Jordan talks with Chad Lewis about the role his Dad’s stroke had on his football career, the 1996 season, his NFL career, calling a Super Bowl in Mandarin and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
Jarom Jordan talks with Reno Mahe about being kicked out of BYU, returning to have an incredible career in Provo, playing with the Eagles in the NFL, and the impact of his daughter’s passing five years ago.
Jarom Jordan talks with All-American soccer player Mikayla Colohan about her upbringing, getting drafted but staying at BYU for two more seasons and what the 2021 team is capable of doing.
Jarom Jordan talks with Greg Wrubell about his path to becoming “Voice of the Cougars” including the influences he had growing up, the job he didn't get, and how he made his own luck.
Hema Heimuli discusses his Cougar Football family legacy, how he went from working at the SLC airport for Delta to producing sports TV shows and how culture intersects and affects everything he does.
BYU Men’s Volleyball coach Shawn Olmstead who discusses growing up in a volleyball family, running ultra marathons and recounts the amazing story of a live-saving surgery his Mom had while pregnant with his twin sisters.
Jarom Jordan speaks with BYUSN partner Spencer Linton about his journey to BYUtv and the impact his Father Kent had on him.
Jarom Jordan talks with former Cougar All-American rugby player Kimball Kjar about life after BYU including being the CEO of the Utah Warriors of Major League Rugby.
Explore the most compelling BYU sports stories through Deep Blue with host Jarom Jordan as he talks with women’s hoops assistant coach Lee Cummard about his playing career at BYU and in Europe and his coaching career in Provo with the talented women’s team.
Jarom Jordan talks with BYU women’s hoops assistant coach Melanie Day on dealing with cancer, her bucket list, and how her life has changed from these experiences.
Jarom Jordan talks with Hoops & Social Media Superstar, Shaylee Gonzales about how she became a viral social media sensation, overcoming an ACL tear and what’s next for her basketball career.
Explore the most compelling BYU sports stories through Deep Blue with host Jarom Jordan as talks with Craig Cusick about his buzzer beater vs Utah State in 2013 after finding out his Dad had cancer
Join Jarom Jordan as we get to know how Uriah "Lopa" Leiataua came to join the BYU Football team, and how Compton California, his Samoan roots, devotion to school, and football injuries has shaped his life.
Deep Blue explores the most compelling human interest stories in BYU sports as Jarom Jordan talks with current and former coaches and players.
Deep Blue explores the most compelling human interest stories in BYU sports as Jarom Jordan talks with current and former coaches and players.