Written by Yvonne Press for https://scubadiverlife.com/ Yvonne is a TDI instructor trainer and rebreather instructor on the Kiss Sidewinder and AP diving rebreathers with more than two decades of diving experience. After learning to dive on the Great Barrier Reef, she spent years teaching diving in Scotland before heading to the warmer waters of Southeast Asia. She has been focused on technical, rebreather, and sidemount diving for several years now. Today, Yvonne is dividing her time between th...
Jun 25, 2025•8 min•Season 3Ep. 27
Annnd, we are back. I thank everyone for their patience during the impromptu hiatus. Some very exciting news to be announced, so stay tuned for updates and enjoy as we get back to our regular program. My next guest resides in the coastal town of Louisbourg, Nova Scotia. While Harvey Morash was working on his father's boat in search of sea urchins, he would experience his first breaths underwater. From there, this would lead him to seek out proper training. The challenging cold conditions would n...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Written by Mike Mason for X-ray Magazine. January 2022 Mike Mason is an experienced military fighter pilot and a passionate diver, having dived as far north as Iceland and as far south as New Zealand. Through his entire flying career, Mike has lived and breathed Human Factors, and as he became more involved with diving teams, instruction, and supervision, he believed the diving world could benefit from his experience and knowledge, so he joined the Human Diver team. The Human Diver team’s missio...
May 14, 2025•13 min•Season 3Ep. 25
Written by Xiangfei Kong. April 2025. Xiangfei Kong is a Technical and Full Cave Diver residing in Austin, Texas. He has trained with multiple agencies, including PADI, UTD, and GUE. In recent years, he has developed a passion for capturing images in the aquatic environment. Article: https://scubaboard.com/community/threads/2025-april-1-7-with-palau-siren.658182/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepoolisopen/ https://www.instagram.com/feifei_capture/...
May 07, 2025•9 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Inspiration has a chaotic nature. Never has it been linked to things like routine or consistency; never has it informed you of its itinerary. It shows up in the most unexpected moments. A not-so-pleasant start to a holiday would lead Curtis Connor to have a chance encounter with inspiration. An encounter that would reunite him with an activity from his past. Deadfoot Diver Podcast, adaptive diving, mental and physical benefits of diving, the journey back to the aquatic environment, treasure hunt...
Apr 30, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 23
The most difficult journeys bear the most fulfilling rewards. In the beginning, scuba diving was a challenging endeavor for Alex Dimasacat. In his determination to overcome, he has developed a passion and dedication to this sport. This passion has now become a family pastime. The challenges, the rewards, the unforgettable moments he can now share with those closest to him. The wrecks of Subic Bay, beautiful reefs of Anilao, demanding dive sites of Singapore, courses with loved ones, the art of r...
Apr 23, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 22
At a young age, Mirko Bevenja was introduced to the underwater world, a moment he describes as shocking and exciting. This experience would become a driving force to seek opportunities for learning and exploring within the aquatic environment. An opportunity he now shares with all who are willing to take the time to learn. The Triton Technical Diving Team, the pros and cons of rebreather diving, discovering wrecks, underwater photography, the value of preparation, and much more. Please enjoy. Re...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 21
It was a great honor and privilege to have Lee Kian Lee on the podcast. He has been at the forefront of pushing exploration, not just in Malaysia but all over Southeast Asia. From his early days enjoying the sport recreationally to his pursuit of technical diving, he is on a mission to seek the unexplored. A mission where danger is ever-present, but safety never takes a back seat. The Malaysia Cave Diving Association, challenging environments of remote explorations, Turtle Tomb, building a commu...
Apr 09, 2025•53 min•Season 3Ep. 20
The water-filled passages of Florida are known for the strength of water flow. To enter many of these areas, one must be determined and “climb” their way in, not an easy task. On the other hand, It's amazing how easily and willingly one can be pulled into the world of cave diving. Stretch Altenhein's roots in diving began in the Northeast. Here, he would find a passion for technical diving after being introduced to the GUE community. A passion that started with wrecks and eventually found its wa...
Apr 02, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Written by Marc Crane of Tek Deep Asia. August 2021 About Marc Crane: Marc started diving in 1991 in the waters off the south coast of England from where he hails. Working as a divemaster during his gap year he has been a full time scuba professional since 1995 (still on his gap year), and has worked and dived in the Red Sea, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, East Africa and throughout South East Asia. Moving to Indonesia in 2011 he has dived all over the archipelago, training and exploring,...
Mar 26, 2025•14 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Most certified divers began their pursuit as an extension of their leisure activities—certified on holiday, certified out of curiosity, certified by their choosing. Don Mirra became certified as part of his military training. What began as a mission-driven task has now evolved into a meditative, blissful, serene experience. From military to recreational to technical diving, sidemount, solo diving, DPVs, homemade rum, but most importantly, taking the time to stop and smell the corals. Please enjo...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 3Ep. 17
As young adults, many of us are faced with choices that will lay the foundation for adulthood. What may seem to be the “right” choice, isn’t always the best choice. A decision was made, and Bogi Krossteig has never looked back. Founding North Atlantic Diving in the Faroe Islands, he has pursued a career in diving that all started with three pieces of a puzzle, which he describes as his holy trinity. Bringing new ideas to old ways, technical and overhead diving, challenges of opening a dive cente...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 3Ep. 16
The largest group of freshwater lakes on earth resides in North America. Here, you can find Richard Tessell on a mission to introduce divers to the unique, amazing, and challenging diving offered throughout this massive body of water. Equally, he is on a mission to further his own education and abilities when it comes to the aquatic environment. Midwest Underwater Explorers, importance of diversified training, rebreathers, overhead environments, community, and much more. Please enjoy. Recorded i...
Mar 13, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Undeterred by world events, Danielle Dillman pursued her goal of becoming a certified diver. Starting as a dive tender at a local aquarium, she was introduced to the possibilities of the underwater world. Currently employed at the Georgia Aquarium, I get a chance to chat with her about some of the controversies surrounding aquarium diving and the importance of the research and conservation efforts conducted by aquariums. Women in Ocean Science, Accreditation process of the Association of Zoos &a...
Mar 12, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 14
Change is good, change is inevitable, change is mandatory. Late last year, Global Underwater Explorers updated and made changes to its standards and protocols. Some new courses were introduced, some older courses tweaked, and some names were changed. I invited GUE Recreational Program Director Gemma Thomas back to the podcast to clear up some confusion, gain insight, and chat with her about the “why" behind some of these changes. Please enjoy. Recorded in December 2024 Instagram: https://www.ins...
Mar 06, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 13
GUE instructor, PADI Course Director, Musician, Dive magazine editor, Technical Diver, to say that Jesper Kjoller is a man who wears many hats would be an understatement. In this episode, I get a chance to sit down with him and hear his story. A journey that brought him to Dubai, where he resides as the Marketing Manager for the deepest pool in the world. Not just a pool but an experience waiting to be explored. Quest Magazine, Deep Dive Dubai, Storytelling, GUE community, and much more. Please ...
Mar 05, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Remote explorations come with challenges that many would not dare to pursue. Logistics, planning, and mental preparation needed for such a task are not for those who do not welcome adversity. In this episode, I sit down with renowned explorer and GUE instructor Max Fahr. It was great to sit down with Max to hear his thoughts about the importance of proper training and teamwork. From his early days of diving to exploring the remote, sacred waters of “The Bottomless Cave” in Northern India, and mu...
Feb 27, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Always breathe; never hold your breath, the most important rule in scuba diving. The equipment allowing us to follow this rule is often neglected when it comes to proper care and maintenance. Chatting with Sam Johnson, a full-time repair tech on the island of Hawaii, I get a chance to hear his perspective and insight when it comes to this side of the industry. Common problems, unsafe practices, nuances of servicing different brands, a detailed approach to servicing, and much more. Please enjoy....
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Season 3Ep. 10
I first met Farzad Atefi, better known as Faz, while cave diving in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Within the first few minutes of meeting, it was very apparent the love he has for this sport. A friendship was formed as we navigated our way through overhead environments, followed by engaging conversations while enjoying beverages. It was great to have Faz on the podcast to catch up, even better, to hear about his experiences, goals, and unfiltered thoughts when it comes to the industry. Please enjoy...
Feb 19, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Written by Marc Crane of Tek Deep Asia. August 9th 2021 About Marc Crane: Marc started diving in 1991 in the waters off the south coast of England from where he hails. Working as a divemaster during his gap year he has been a full time scuba professional since 1995 (still on his gap year), and has worked and dived in the Red Sea, Mexico, Australia, the Mediterranean, East Africa and throughout South East Asia. Moving to Indonesia in 2011 he has dived all over the archipelago, training and explor...
Feb 05, 2025•12 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Late last year, I had a chance to meet up with Edd Stockdale while he was on vacation in Bali. We met at the House of Crane, poured a few glasses of rum, and enjoyed a conversation. In this episode, I hear about his work with the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy, his teaching philosophy, Gradient Technical Diving, past mentors, mine diving, and much more. Please Enjoy. Website: https://gradient-technical.com/ https://www.helsinki.fi/en/research-stations/tvarminne-zoological-station/finnish-scie...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In this takeover episode, Simon Bailey interviews Nick Hogle. Yes, the tables have turned, and I now join as a guest to share my journey. It was amazing to sit down with Simon and cruise down memory lane from my first breaths through my progression. A story that starts in Thailand, grows in Texas, enhanced in Mexico, and continues to flourish in Southeast Asia. I think there is some chat about a podcast somewhere in there as well. Please enjoy. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/offgassingscub...
Jan 22, 2025•57 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this conversation, I speak with Gabriella Gough about her first breaths through her progression to earning a divemaster certification. A journey she embraced with the help of her local diving community in Southern California, a journey that led her to earn a spot in The Ventura County Sheriff Search and Rescue Dive Team. An education in marine biology, embracing challenges, the beauty of kelp forests, jumping out of helicopters, and much more. Please enjoy. Instagram: https://www.instagram.co...
Jan 15, 2025•46 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this conversation, Nouf Alosaimi shares her journey with Red Sea Citizen, emphasizing the importance of community in ocean conservation and her goal to empower more women to become involved in the sport. Speaking at the World Economic Forum, the impact of diving on environmental awareness, changing perceptions about sharks, an unexpected love for drysuits, and much more. Please enjoy. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redseacitizen/ https://www.instagram.com/santidiving/ https://www.instag...
Jan 09, 2025•55 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In this episode, I speak with Piotr Kuświk as shares his inspiring journey into scuba diving, detailing his initial experiences, training, and the challenges he faced along the way. He discusses the Santi Scholarship, a program that provided him with advanced training and opportunities to dive in unique locations. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of community, skill development, and the joy of exploring underwater environments. Please enjoy. Instagram: https://www.instag...
Jan 08, 2025•47 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Leaving a career in software, Parasu Komaradat, also known and Por, pursued his passion for diving. As he progressed, he naturally found his way into technical and overhead diving. Based out of Thailand, he has become one of the most respected and well-known instructors in Southeast Asia. Past mentors, exploration, mine diving, podcasting, teaching the next generation of divers, and much more. Please enjoy. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pordiveinstructor/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.co...
Jan 02, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In this episode, I get a chance to speak with Putri Mulyani Nurdin from Indonesia. From experiencing her first breaths underwater to traveling to some of the most amazing dive destinations throughout Indonesia. Forming friendships and creating memories while on her path to becoming an instructor. The importance of family, the joy of traveling to new locations, her passion for diving, and much more. Please enjoy. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/putrimnurdin/...
Jan 01, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Growing up, Helene-Julie Zofia Paaman has always been an ocean lover. It would be on the island of Koh Tao, where she would take her first breaths underwater, but she was not the biggest fan. Years later, she found herself slowly falling in love with the sport and eventually becoming an instructor while spending time in Egypt. Eventually, making her way back to Denmark, she would take up underwater photography as a way to share stories and, most of all, information. Highlighting how local change...
Dec 26, 2024•51 min•Season 2Ep. 73
Magdalena Męcik found her way to diving while completing her master's degree. Her curious nature, along with the passion she observed from the members of the scientific diving club, propelled her to learn more. Gaining recognition for her hard work awarded her an Open Water Course, and she immediately fell in love with the aquatic environment. Now, as Vice President of the Scientific Underwater Research Foundation based in Poland, she and other members focus on protecting the freshwater environm...
Dec 25, 2024•41 min•Season 2Ep. 72
Article written by Natalie Gibb of Under The Jungle. March 02, 2022 Natalie Gibb lives in Mexico, where she spends every spare moment exploring caves with her exploration partner, Vincent Roquette-Cathala. When she's not exploring, she's hanging around her dive center, Under the Jungle, teaching cave courses and mentoring past students. Natalie is an amateur videographer, photographer, and a published author, and loves to share her adventures with others at dive shows and public speaking engagem...
Nov 19, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 71
